Religious traditions, historic architecture, holm oak landscapes and Tortas de Aceite offer several different ways to explore La Losilla. The parish church and the Ermita de San Roque connect the town to its religious heritage; the old town points to a medieval past, while extensive holm oak groves shape the surrounding area. Tortas de Aceite add a local speciality to the picture. Travellers who consider culture, rural landscapes and regional cuisine when choosing a destination will find these concrete themes offer insight into the character of the town.

Church, Hermitage and Festive Traditions

The parish church of La Losilla is dedicated to San Esteban. The Ermita de San Roque is also located in the town. It is a rural, rectangular building with a roof made up of three sloping sections. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two religious landmarks: San Esteban is the dedication of the parish church, while San Roque is the name associated with the hermitage. Those interested in local religious architecture will find not only a dedication but also a specific architectural detail.

San Esteban also features in the Fiestas de La Losilla, held in his honour on the last Sunday in September. The celebration of San Blas is also part of the town’s traditions. For travellers, the September date offers a specific point of reference in the calendar. San Esteban thus connects the church dedication with the September festival, while San Blas adds a separate religious occasion to the festive traditions.

Old Town and Landscape

The traditional architecture of the old town points to a flourishing medieval past during the period when the influential livestock herders’ organisation Mesta was active. The traditional houses also reflect La Losilla’s mountainous character and its strong ties to livestock farming. The old town and its houses therefore offer two distinct clues: a medieval setting associated with the Mesta and the town’s mountainous, livestock-farming character.

There are extensive holm oak groves around La Losilla. Thyme grows among the undergrowth beneath the trees. The description of the landscape thus encompasses both the extensive tree cover and the lower layer of vegetation beneath it. Mammals such as rabbits, hares and wild boar also live in the monte around La Losilla. The vegetation and wildlife offer different perspectives on the rural surroundings.

Tortas de Aceite and Connections to Narros

Tortas de Aceite are among the municipality’s typical specialities. The ingredients used to make them are ½ kilogram of flour, 50 grams of baker’s yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 8 tablespoons of olive oil; water, flaked salt and fine salt are also added. Specific quantities are given for the flour, yeast, sugar and oil, while both types of salt are also part of the recipe. This provides a culinary connection to La Losilla alongside its religious and landscape themes.

Narros is connected to La Losilla in two distinct ways. A traditional pilgrimage leads from La Losilla to the Ermita de la Virgen del Almuerzo in Narros. In a historical context, water from the Fuente Chaperío, which rises in La Losilla, was channelled to Narros through an acequia. The pilgrimage is a religious custom; the acequia represents a historical water route. The two connections can therefore be understood as distinct aspects of the town’s history.

Discover more destinations: Borobia, San Esteban De Gormaz, Fuentetoba, Cueva De Ágreda, Lubia, Alcubilla De Avellaneda, Navaleno, Hinojosa de la Sierra

For an overview of the wider area: Soria.