The municipality of El Berrueco is located in the Community of Madrid. Here, you can contemplate the natural beauty of the Sierra Norte and the Sierra de La Cabrera mountains, which protect a town with a great deal of touristic interest.
This town is located on the banks of the Atazar reservoir, one of the undisputed attractions for tourism in the area. Its name comes from the word berrueco, which means rocky crag. The impressive landscape is enjoyed by the more than 800 inhabitants of the area.
What to see in El Berrueco? It is an area with a wealth of cultural heritage and its proximity to Madrid, 65 kilometres away, makes it a favourite holiday and weekend destination for residents of the capital as well as tourists.
If you walk through its streets, you will learn a little more about its history, catching glimpses of remains from ancient times and communities.
One of the emblematic points is the Arabic watchtower, which dates back to the 9th century and which stands on a prominent point at an altitude of over 1,000 metres above sea level.
Another of the landmarks is the Plaza de la Picota, where an ancient stone scroll is located. It is one of the best preserved in the area despite having been moved several times. In this same square you will also see the Town Hall.
The old livestock crush is a few moments’ walk away, the footprints of cattle giving away its use in ages gone by.
In terms of religious heritage, we find the remains of the Hermitage of Santa María very close to the town, in the Valcamino area. However, the main church is that of Santo Tomás Apóstol, whose attraction lies not only in its Romanesque-Mudejar façade, but also in the interior, where you will find a large number of works of art. Next to this point is the Crucero de la Iglesia, whose origin and function are unknown.
In terms of secular architecture, we find the Roman bridge, whose preservation and surroundings create an idyllic place to spend time. In addition, the Quarrying and Hydrographic Heritage museums are two highly recommended visits.
Any time of year is a good time to visit this town, but if you do so in summer, the Berrueco reservoir is a perfect place to swim, as are the beaches of the Atazar reservoir.
Another good option is during the festivities, especially those held in honour of the Virgen de los Remedios in spring. Carnival and Christmas, when the town hosts a living nativity scene, are also good times to visit and to sample the gastronomy of the zone.
And if you want to stay and experience the essence of El Berrueco for a few days, there is nothing better than renting a holiday cottage. In summer, look for a property with a swimming pool, or try to find the best deal on a cottage in the middle of nature.
How to get here? You can reach el Berrueco by car in around an hour from Madrid, although if you prefer, you can take public transport thanks to the three bus lines that connect the town to Madrid and surrounding areas.
