Colmenar de Oreja
A square with its own personality.
Colmenar de Oreja, in search of authenticity
It's no coincidence that the centre of Colmenar de Oreja was recently acknowledged as a Site of Cultural Interest inthe Historical Site category. The reason for this recognition lies in its architectural heritage; it possesses a largenumber of buildings and public monuments, in addition to large farmhouses from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, andunique caves and cellars. It also has industrial buildings such as factories, workshops, mills, pottery and limestonekilns.
Its Plaza Mayor is a magnificent example of Spanish porticoed squares of the 17th and 18th centuries. It isundoubtedly one of the most beautiful town squares in the Region of Madrid. It is enclosed by two-storeyed buildingsthat rest on stone columns and have wooden balconies. Some of them have been converted into restaurants. It is a squarethat proudly proclaims its geographical heritage, the stone columns and pillars are built of Colmenar stone excavatedfrom the quarries in this area.
But architecture isn’t Colmenar de Oreja’s only strong point. Located in thefloodplains of the River Tagus, its lands produce wines, oils and cheeses which contribute to a unique culinarytradition based on local produce.
Its origins are linked to the castle of Oreja, whose remains lie near Colmenarthough beyond the borders of Madrid, in the province of Toledo. This castle was formerly a strategic enclave formaintaining control over the River Tagus, often passing from Islamic into Christian hands and vice versa, until AlfonsoVII reconquered it definitively in 1139. From this moment onwards, the “Oreja Privilege” decreed that this area berepopulated and new settlers were given additional privileges. This led to the expansion of Colmenar de Oreja.
If you’d like to properly explore all its nooks and crannies, we recommend doing so in the company of a professional guidewho specialises in the history and culture of Colmenar.

Photo: Aerial view Colmenar de Oreja

Photo: Colmenar de Oreja Main Square

Photo: Fountain of Zacatín

Photo: Ulpiano Checa Museum

Photo: Jar factory
Tips for visiting Colmenar de Oreja
Colmenar de Oreja is a historical centre with a unique personality. Its Plaza Mayor is built on a system of bridges and arches over the stream of Zacatín. The construction of the Arco del Puente de Zacatín or arch helped to bridge the gap created by the precipice, thus connecting the old town to the outskirts. Strolling through its streets is a unique opportunity to enjoy a large number of tourist activities such as visiting its wineries and tasting their wines.
The Plaza Mayor and its hidden delights: the gardens, fountain and arch of Zacatín
It shows as much as it conceals.
From the Church of Santa María la Mayor to the Shrine of Christ, via the church of La Encarnación
A town with staunch religious convictions.
Two must-see buildings for their form and content
Art opens up roads and creates its own spaces.
Two must-see buildings for their form and content
The deep roots of a centuries-old culture.
Much more at the Tourism Office
Visit us and we’ll tell you all you need to know.

Tourism office of Colmenar De Oreja
The Tourism office of Colmenar De Oreja is situated near the Ulpiano Checa Museum. It offers detailed information on everything that is on offer in the town, both with respect to its historical heritage and its wine and culinary tourism options.
- Address: Calle Costanilla de los Silleros, 1
- Web: http://aytocdo.com
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