The best road cycling routes around Villalbilla

The unique urban style of Nuevo Baztán maintains the original Baroque model from the beginning of the 18th century, designed by José de Churriguera by order of Juan de Goyeneche, who had permission from Charles II to build glass, paper and textile factories on Spanish territory. The Navarrese businessman was originally from Arizkun, in the Baztán Valley, but spent time in Madrid because he had other properties and professional relations with the Court. He chose the site of Madrid's Alcarria to found an industrial and rural centre in honour of his homeland and commissioned the Madrid architect to build a glass factory, a farming village of half a thousand inhabitants, a palace, a monumental church and gardens with centuries-old pines and elms. The town preserves cobbled streets, stone squares, rural buildings from the time of its foundation, between 1709 and 1713, and palace gardens, a beautiful heritage complex declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1941 and a Site of Cultural Interest in 2000.

The Torremocha Castle represents the history and monumentality of Santorcaz. The current construction dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. It was a fortress for the defence and control of the Anchuelo river plain, built on a previous watchtower of Arab origin that formed part of the strategic line of the Alcalá stronghold. At different times it has been the residence of nobles, the seat of archbishops and a prison for clerics, where Cardinal Cisneros and the Princess of Éboli were among others. Attached to the castle walls is the church of San Torcuato, founded in the 13th century, with a beautiful Mudejar tower.

In restoration works, it presents a beautiful appearance

Like the fortified archbishop's palace of Alcalá de Henares, this enclosure was ordered to be built by Archbishop Pedro Tenorio in the 14th century. It is a strong plaza with seven towers, a wall and the church of San Torcuato.

Fountain in the small park in front of the church.

For a small town, Villar del Olmo has many interesting historical and scenic things to see. The town hall has an application that will help you find them.

The church dedicated to San Pedro is from the 13th century but important reforms were carried out in it during the 15th century, the main nave was redone and two other lateral ones were added, for example. It preserves its original Romanesque head, the belfry and the presbytery. Inside, don't miss the Gothic ornaments, the Mudejar pair and knuckle armor; and the small ivory carving of the Virgen de los Llanos. It was declared B.I.C with the category of Monument in 1990.

Interesting work of the s. XV, which allows us to appreciate how a castle was arranged when the use of artillery had already been imposed: harquebuses and cannons. It is erected on a plain, and preserves both its interior and towers, as well as the outer enclosure and the moat. Free access to the outside. To visit the interior, contact the Pioz town hall, telephone 949.272.076.