World Heritage in Madrid

From Madrid to the sky of World Heritage. The Paseo del Prado, the Retiro Park and the stately neighbourhood of Los Jerónimos, three jewels of the capital's rich heritage, make up this luminous landscape. Do you know its secrets?

The small convents of San Jerónimo and Atocha, which appeared in the 16th century in the vicinity of the current ‘Landscape of Light’, would soon see their surroundings change forever. Barely a century later, around 1650, the construction of the palace and gardens of El Buen Retiro endowed this enclave with a monumental importance that would only grow and grow with the course of time.

The maximum expression of this wealth of heritage became evident in 2021 with the declaration of this ‘Landscape of Light’ as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the category of Arts and Sciences. The specific areas included in this candidacy are the district of Los Jerónimos, the Retiro Park and the Paseo del Prado, which runs from Plaza Emperador Carlos V to Plaza de Cibeles.

Aranjuez, an Earthly Paradise

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, Aranjuez is a place where nature and history blend together in a unique way. Its gardens, designed with exquisite aesthetic taste, are true botanical museums that invite you to stroll and relax. The Royal Palace, a jewel of 18th-century architecture, and other historic buildings such as the Casa del Labrador, form a monumental ensemble of great beauty. The abundance of water, thanks to the Tajo and Jarama rivers, has allowed for the development of an irrigation system that has shaped the landscape and favored agriculture.

A Historical Legacy

Since the 15th century, Aranjuez has been a place of recreation for Spanish royalty. The kings of the House of Austria and Bourbon left their mark on this town, beautifying it with palaces, gardens, and works of art. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Aranjuez experienced its golden age as the summer residence of the court. Today, this historical legacy can be appreciated in every corner of the city. In addition to its cultural heritage, Aranjuez offers high-quality gastronomy, based on fresh produce from the garden and prepared with traditional recipes in exquisite local restaurants, one of which boasts a Michelin star.

Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes and town of knowledge

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Cervantes, is a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers. Known as the "city of knowledge," great Spanish Golden Age writers such as Francisco de Quevedo, Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca, Tirso de Molina, and Saint John of the Cross were all linked to it, although Miguel de Cervantes, who was born here in 1547, undoubtedly stands out. Alcalá de Henares was the first town designed and built specifically to house a university, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1499, during the Renaissance. It served as a model for other educational centers in Europe and America. Numerous great works, such as the Complutensian Polyglot Bible, emerged from its classrooms. A bishopric during the Visigothic period, Alcalá was an important stronghold for defending the Tajo Valley during the Reconquista. Its historic center, with its cobbled streets and Renaissance buildings, retains the charm of a medieval university town.

Art, nature, history, heritage and gastronomy: In San Lorenzo de El Escorial you can choose from a wide range of enjoyable plans. Considered as the eighth wonder of the world in the 18th century, the Monastery of El Escorial represents a unique cultural asset being an example of the human creative spirit. The Monastery and Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1984, offers an attractive tourist attraction for visitors all year round.

Located in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, just 50 kilometres from Madrid, this town offers visitors an exclusive architectonic heritage, a magnificent natural environment, and a rich cultural offer. In San Lorenzo de El Escorial there is a lot to see and do during 365 days a year: special guided tours, urban and nature routes, exhibitions, concerts, summer courses and much more.... Additionally, there is a wide and diverse range of restaurants and bar where you can taste traditional Madrilenian and Castilian cuisine.

The first historical references to these territories date back to the 12th century when settlers from Segovia, pushed by the Reconquest and the need for land, established themselves on the southern slopes of the Sierra del Guadarrama mountain range.

In 1561, at the same time as the capital of the Spanish monarchy was moved to Madrid, Philip II purchased the lands of La Herrería, La Fresneda, El Campillo, Monasterio and El Escorial, among others, on which he built the Monastery, and whose foundation he entrusted to the Hieronymite monks. In the surrounding area, buildings were built to house trades and provide accommodation for the workers involved in the great work. The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is not only considered an architectural jewel, but it is also surrounded by fantasy, mystery and a popular imagination made of legends and stories imprinting on its granite walls.

The best known legend is the medieval one that tells that a gateway to hell was located on the site of the monastery. A nearby mine with deep, dark galleries was the origin of this local legend. Looking at the monastery from above, it is shaped like a grill. A legend says that this shape pays homage to the saint, San Lorenzo, who was burnt to death on a grill. Much similarity has also been found with the layout of the Temple of Solomon. Perhaps the grandeur of this biblical temple inspired Philip II to erect the Monastery of El Escorial.

The Hayedo de Montejo, one of the most unique forests in the region, was declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. It's a singular space that was already declared Natural Site of National Interest in 1974, which forms part of a joint candidacy of 'European Beeches'. 

At the foot of the Sierra de Ayllón is the Hayedo de Montejo, an old meadow of beeches, oak trees and Pyrenean oak that as we advanced, was declared by UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It's the first natural area in the region that receives this distinction, a well-deserved recognition of the work developed during these years by the Region of Madrid.

The landscape and ecological diversity of this space have been turned into a true 'natural laboratory' capable of anticipating the effects of climate change. It has an exhaustive research program that includes two forest inventories, which were carried out in 1994 and 2005. Through the monitoring of more than 1,400 trees as well as the weather through meteorological stations, it has been possible to know first-hand the evolution of this space in recent years.

After being declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1974, increased visits to the forest, forcing generate an environmental education program, which includes guided tours and enhancement of the natural wealth of the environment, the uniqueness and fragility of the Hayedo and of the whole of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve.  

From here we encourage you to discover the beauty of this environment, of course, all those interested shall register on the website in advance. There is another possibility, which is obtaining authorization in person on the same day that you want to make the visit. It will only be necessary to request the permission in the Resource and Information Centre of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve located in Real St. 64 in the town of Montejo de la Sierra in Madrid. The authorizations will be delivered in strict order of arrival, from the opening of the office at 9.30 am until they are exhausted.  

The visits to the Hayedo de Montejo are always guided, by Environmental Educators, and free of charge. Although the best time to visit it is autumn, during the summer months is the perfect plan to enjoy in touch with nature, a place of singular beauty where the human footprint is less evidence. Discover it!

Hayedo de Montejo©Hugo Fernández. Comunidad de Madrid.