The history of sheep farming, Romanesque architecture and hiking trails give La Losa a multifaceted character. The town lies at the foot of the Segovian slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, from where you can see the Mujer Muerta. When planning your trip, you can give different emphasis to cultural history, trails and scenery.

Sheep Farming History and Buildings

The historic wool-shearing house, Casa de esquileo, was founded in 1515 by the Marqués de Santiago. In 1752, 24,000 sheep were shorn there. These two dates link the history of the building to a concrete insight into its use: its foundation in the 16th century was followed by an exceptionally large shearing, the scale of which is precisely documented. The wool-shearing house thus represents the historical importance of sheep shearing in La Losa.

The Ermita de San Pedro also dates back a long way: construction began in the mid-13th century. It is an example of rural Segovian Romanesque architecture. Today, the secularized hermitage is a barn; during the village festivals in September, it serves as a pilgrimage site.

The Iglesia de San Juan Evangelista has a Renaissance altarpiece, a Calvary and a ribbed vault with tiercerons. The Plaza de los Huertos shows another side of the town: this picturesque square is defined by numerous willow trees, whose wood is used for traditional crafts. La Losa’s patron saint festivals are celebrated in honor of the Virgen de Cepones and San Roque.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

The Ruta de La Losa a Ortigosa Del Monte is an easy route that takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. It can be walked in two ways: the longer route is 6 km, while the shorter and easier one is 4 km.

Holm oaks and ash trees grow along the route, and there is also a birdwatching hide. The vegetation and the hide add two specific nature-related highlights to the hike, while the two route options offer different distances.

For a broader perspective on the drovers’ roads, La Losa is one of the towns along the 154.90 km Senda de los Pastores. This route follows the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental, a path historically used by transhumant shepherds.

The Landscape Around La Losa

The natural area includes Cerro de la Revilla and the hills of Ceporrillos and Riofrío. Las Peñotas are impressive granite formations in the town center and a distinctive feature of La Losa. Two viewpoints near La Losa offer views of the Palacio de Riofrío. The area is also surrounded by the Madrones and Matavacas streams.

If you are looking for a hotel in La Losa, you can make the focus of your trip your priority: architecture and local history, drovers’ roads or scenery.

Discover more destinations: Roda de Eresma, Armuña, San Rafael, Aldeanueva De La Serrezuela, Valseca, Otero De Herreros, Mata de Quintanar, Aguilafuente.

For the broader travel overview: Segovia.