The Embalse de El Villar is the oldest reservoir in the Comunidad de Madrid still in operation. In Robledillo De La Jara, this connection to the landscape comes together with diverse vegetation, hiking trails and places of cultural and historical interest.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The Senda al embalse de El Villar is a linear route 4 km long in one direction, leading to the Pinar de Casasola recreation area. A second hiking option is an easy circular route with beautiful views to the ruins of the former Ermita de El Villar, known as Santo Roto. The routes differ in their planning details: the Senda specifies the one-way distance and destination, while the circular route highlights its format, easy rating, views and historic destination.

A Romería ends each year at Santo Roto. Its date may vary; if you would like to plan around this tradition, check the date for the relevant year.

Oaks, rockroses and other plants

The landscape of Robledillo De La Jara is characterized by oaks and rockroses. Strawberry trees, ash trees and poplars add to the variety of plant life. In the Dehesa Boyal de Abajo, an area designated as public forest, stands of Pyrenean oaks and Portuguese oaks stand out from the surrounding scrubland.

One route passes through extensive stands of rockroses, accompanied by thyme, marjoram, rosemary and other plants. For nature enthusiasts, this offers a chance to observe not only the tree species but also the vegetation along a trail.

Museums and nature motifs

The Museo de las Formas de Vida del Pasado is located on the grounds of the former Tejera de Robledillo de la Jara. Another place of learning is the Centro de Interpretación de la Micología, housed in a restored former communal washhouse. Its facilities include interactive multimedia features, educational panels, reproductions of regional mushroom species and microscopes for identifying species. Together, these different features combine visual displays with a tool for more precise species identification. As facilities may change, check in advance whether specific features are still available for your visit. The museum focuses on past forms of life, while the center explores regional mycology.

A mural also features the rockrose, this time as an artistic motif. The central female figure opens her chest and offers life and light in the form of bouquets of rockroses. According to Pekolejo, the image symbolizes nature’s ability to reproduce and create an environment conducive to life. Thus, the same plant appears in different contexts: as part of the landscape and as an image of nature’s renewal.

Discover more destinations: Moraleja De Enmedio, Húmera, Madarcos, Casarrubuelos, Valdemaqueda, Ribatejada, Serranillos del Valle, Villa Del Prado.

For the overview of the wider region: Madrid.