Rascafría
Rascafría, the cultural heartland of Sierra de Guadarrama
The Lozoya Valley hides a mythical place. It seems almost unreal on foggy days. This would be Rascafría, a small mountain villa through which the Artiñuelo stream runs. It’s located well into a river valley formed by the water from the top of the mountains. It’s a deep valley with forest-covered hillsides which change completely during each season of the year.
The monotony of city life contrasts with the bustle of nature and there’s no better example than Rascafría. In winter, the snow is the focus of the landscape; in spring, the melting snow fills the streams and rivers making the hills bright green; in summer, people flock to the mountains for a break from the heat and a little fresh air; and in autumn, the colours of the forest invade everything. Enclaved in the very heart of the valley at the foot of the ports of Cotos and La Morcuera, Rascafría lives up to its name as one of those places where the temperatures are often relatively low.
Yet if there’s one magical place in Rascafría, that would be the El Paular Monastery. Getting there by crossing the Puente del Perdón bridge and entering the grounds is truly surprising. Visiting it peacefully is no doubt an unforgettable experience.
Rascafría was founded in the Middle Ages by Segovian settlers and it continued to be tied to Segovia until 1833, as a part of the territorial division of Lozoya. Its economy depended on the Our Lady of El Paular charterhouse since its foundation in 1390 until the 19th century. The monastery was under the protection of the Castilian monarchs throughout this long period.
Livestock raising and timber extraction were its main sources of wealth. For centuries, the locals dedicated their lives to these industries in this hundred-year-old villa now turned into one of the main tourism poles of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Photo: Aerial view of Rascafría

Photo: Saint Andrew Apostle Parish

Photo: Arboreto Giner de los Ríos

Photo: Monasterio del Paular

Photo: Rascafría Main Square
Tips for visiting Rascafría
Rascafría is unfathomable. The Villa, the Monasterio del Paular and the surrounding mountains are all one as an ensemble loaded with details offering unique harmony. As soon as you arrive, you can’t help but notice the balance between human life and nature over time. A visit to Villa de Rascafría means you must let yourself be seduced by the many stimuli perceived. You get this feeling that you must stay there without hurry, discovering all the intrinsic value of each little corner. Continue read
Myths, rites and cult objects: the power of all things supernatural
Monumental areas of incalculable artistic value
Bridges, roads, fulling mills: evidence of the work of civil engineering and forestry
How to read the forest
Nature is also culture: learn by having fun
Nature schools
Homes with surnames: Casona de los Trastámara, Casa Vasca and Town Hall
Distinguished ancestors who have left their mark
Much more at the Tourism Office
Visit us and we’ll tell you all you need to know

Tourism Office of Rascafría
- Address: Avenida del Paular, 32
- Web: http://www.rascafria.org
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