El Boalo: Cultural Sites at the Foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama
El Rebollar lies southwest of El Boalo, at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama. El Rebollar is an archaeological zone classified as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). Another town page: Mataelpino.
Culture and History
The rural Visigothic church in El Rebollar remained a place of worship from the 7th to the 18th century. The Ermita de San Isidro Labrador was built in the 20th century by local residents using local granite masonry.
The Iglesia de San Sebastián Mártir in El Boalo was built in 1620 and stands in the Plaza de San Sebastián. According to Christian tradition, Saint Sebastian is venerated as the patron saint against diseases; the construction of the Iglesia de San Sebastián Mártir was perceived as a miracle.
The Potro de Herrar was used to restrain animals for shoeing draught and riding animals and for treating livestock. In El Boalo, this Potro de Herrar forms part of the ethnographic heritage of the Sierra de Madrid and is connected with the area's livestock-raising tradition.
Landscape and Trails
The Ermita de San Isidro Labrador is located in the Las Laderas de El Boalo landscape area, near the Arroyo del Herrero and at the foot of Peña Mediodía. Along its route, the Ruta de las Villas passes by the Ermita de San Isidro and continues to the Mirador de la Ponzonilla; it also leads to El Boalo.
Senda 1 is a 9 km circular trail of moderate difficulty. Senda 2 is 4.3 km long and has a low difficulty level. The Mirador de la Ponzonilla offers views of the Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares.
The two circular trails therefore differ in length and difficulty: Senda 1 involves a longer distance and moderate difficulty, while Senda 2 is shorter and has a low difficulty level.
On Stage 9 from Manzanares el Real to Moralzarzal, a signposted trail leads to El Boalo.
Festivals and Local Life
The “Otoño Visigodo” cultural programme took place in El Boalo in 2024 for its fourth edition and included, among other activities, guided visits to the El Rebollar archaeological site. The Feria del Ganado in El Boalo included a market and product tastings.
For 2025, the Feria del Ganado was announced at the Recinto Ferial in El Boalo, with animal exhibitions. During a festival day in honour of San Isidro, rural meals are shared, bringing residents and visitors together.
Local Information
The tourist services offered by the municipality of El Boalo include maps, travel guides and brochures for exploring the local towns.
Alongside local information about El Rebollar, the trails, churches and events, you can check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions for each hotel offer.
For the broader travel overview: Madrid.
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