World Heritage in Madrid

By bike and train

An original way of touring three of these places, learning about their past and delving into their setting is on the historical trains that connect them to Madrid: the Tren de la Fresa, the Straw- berry Train to Aranjuez, and the Tren de Felipe II, the Philip II Train to San Lo- What is World Heritage? renzo de El Escorial, both from Príncipe Pío Station, and the Cervantes Train to The canals of Venice, the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, Alcalá de Henares from Atocha Station. the Alhambra and the Generalife, the historic city of A trip back in time that will turn this visit into a unique experience. Cartagena de Indias, the Iguazú waterfalls… These are some If what you like is cycling, you examples of assets listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO cannot miss the CiclaMadrid tours, 420 as places of exceptional value for humanity. kilometres connecting destinations and In case you don’t know, the World Heritage Site list is tourist resources, among them these something like the contemporary version of the “wonders four World Heritage enclaves and the Guadarrama National Park. A simple, of the world”. Only exceptional places with great heritage eco-friendly, accessible and healthy way wealth due to their cultural or natural legacy can obtain this of discovering the charm of our region recognition. and its natural environment. Spain has the honour of being the third country with the most World Heritage Sites, only surpassed by Italy and China. In the Madrid Region we have the good fortune of having four listed enclaves:

• The Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial • The University and historic centre of Alcalá de Henares • The Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez • The Montejo Beech Forest

And all of them less than 100 kilometres from the centre of Madrid. They are a must-see! Photos: © David Ruiz Polo / Archive of the Directorate-General for Tourism. Madrid Region. Legal Deposit: M-35168-2017. Paper coming from sustainable forests. Madrid Region. Legal Deposit: M-35168-2017. Paper coming from Tourism. for the Directorate-General of / Archive © David Ruiz Polo Photos:

More information:

Historic Trains: www.renfe.com www.trendefelipeii.com

CiclaMadrid: www.ciclamadrid.es Be guided by The UNESCO Architectural and Living traditions San Lorenzo Alcalá de Aranjuez The Montejo scientific development The three enclaves mentioned above criteria The Palace and Monastery of San are places that conserve and maintain exceptionality de El Escorial Henares In Aranjuez we get ready for long Beech Forest Lorenzo de El Escorial exerted con- their own folklore and live their walks with cultural, artistic and gastro- Masterworks of siderable influence on the subsequent festivals and traditions with intensity. What differentiates these sites? The San Lorenzo de El Escorial boasts an A visit to Alcalá de Henares can begin nomic stopovers. A visit to the Montejo Beech Forest, the creative genius development of Spanish architecture The Alcalá Holy Week; the pilgrimage criteria that determine whether a site extraordinary artistic heritage and its by taking us back to Roman times in An indispensable visit is to the in the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere and its construction processes. We of the Virgen de Gracia, Our Lady of can be included in the World Heritage Humanity’s creative genius has been location in the Guadarrama Mountain the ruins of Complutum, which form Royal Palace –built in the 18th century Reserve, becomes a very special experi- can gain some idea of the technical Grace, in San Lorenzo de El Escorial; list are few but very stringent. On a generously developed in the Madrid Range adds further natural and land- part of the Madrid Region’s Visitable in the French style brought to Spain by ence in contact with nature. Along the advances that the construction of this the Mutiny of Aranjuez, an uprising cultural plane, the listed sites have to Region, with works such as the scape attractions for mountaineers and Archaeological Sites. And once in the the new royal dynasty, the Bourbons— extensive mountainside that ends in 30,000-square-metres monastery in led against King Charles IV in the be masterworks, reflect the exchange of University of Alcalá and the Monastery hiking devotees who cannot resist the historic centre, we continue to discover which organizes guided tours; the the river Jarama, the beeches, together the heart of the Guadarrama Mountain turbulent years that preceded the human values or signify an important – of San Lorenzo. Their buildings are appeal of the Forest of La Herrería and the interesting history of Madrid in the Royal Barges Museum and the Casa with oaks and holly trees, create one of Range entailed in its time. Philip II Napoleonic invasion of Spain in 1808; or unique—spot in the development of architectural and sculptural benchmarks the Abantos Pine Forest. Regional Archaeological Museum. del Labrador cottage; and, inside the most beautiful and best-conserved stipulated that his library should be an together with traditional crafts or knowledge. For their part, natural assets of the Renaissance and served as the The monastery has immense his- But Alcalá is also the cradle of a the historic centre, the bicentennial environments in the whole of the exemplary place for study and research: cuisine, are kept alive and are very have to be eminent examples of the en- model for other centres of learning and torical, artistic and cultural value. The universally famous writer, Miguel de Bullring. In a walk around the Jardines Madrid Region. a veritable Chamber of Wonders with much worth discovering. vironmental and biological processes in power in Europe and America. They are palace buildings of the Hapsburgs and Cervantes Saavedra, the author of Don del Príncipe (the Prince’s Gardens), the You can traverse this magical drawings and engravings, portraits the planet’s evolution and stand out for two examples of the power of Humanist the Bourbons, the Library, the Basilica, Quixote of La Mancha, the world’s Jardines de la Isla (the Island Gardens) forest along different routes: the of personages, mathematical and their biodiversity and conservation. cultural development in the Spain of the A unique ecosystem the Patio de los Reyes (the Monarchs’ first novel. The Museum that recreates and the Parterre Gardens you will Senda del Río, the River trail which In this context, the Monastery and scientific instruments, maps, spheres, runs parallel to the Jarama, covers all Golden Age, which lay the foundations With more than 120,000 trees, 900 of Courtyard), the Royal Pantheons and his birth house is located on the high evoke the melodies that the famed Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial astrolabes and reproductions of wildlife the settings within the beech forest for a new era in human knowledge. them centuries old, the Montejo Beech the Jardín de los Frailes (the Friars’ street, the Calle Mayor. composer Maestro Joaquín Rodrigo constitute a magnificent example of and flora. in an easy route and is thus ideal for Forest is a peak example of Europe’s Garden) are unique spaces that are not The University of Alcalá was dedicated to them in his celebrated Humanity’s creative spirit; the dimen- children and the elderly. The Senda Exchange of knowledge primeval beech woods. It also has a to be missed. founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, Aranjuez Concerto. sion of the architectural complex and Landscapes of their time A stroll around the historic-artis an indispensable political figure in de la Ladera, the mountainside trail, and human values considerable density of other unique - Nature lovers will obtain special its natural setting make this a place of is a climb on which we can recognize The complex design of the Aranjuez species. The value of this forest resides tic complex and a visit to the Charles 15th-century Spain, together with the enjoyment from the environs of the inexhaustible value. Alcalá de Henares, The contribution of Alcalá de Henares species that grow at greater height. cultural landscape is the result of a above all in the flexibility of the trees III Royal Coliseum, an enchanting Catholic Monarchs who supported Tagus riverbanks, with the historic in turn, presents key element for the to the exchange of cultural values began And for the most experienced hikers, combination of landscaping, architec- and their tolerance of the different cli- 18th-century theatre, are equally Columbus’s enterprise to America. groves and kitchen gardens that sur- knowledge and study of the Spanish at a time when three cultures coexisted we recommend the Senda del Mirador, tural and artistic works over several key matic, geographical and physical condi- recommended. We also suggest an A tour is essential to view its beauti- round the municipality. language and culture through two mil- in Spanish cities, the Christian, Jewish the Vantage Point trail which, with its periods in Spanish history, fundamen- tions it has experienced in the course of excursion to Philip II’s Chair, from ful façade, the Trilingual Courtyard, lennia of history. Aranjuez is one of the and Muslim districts that gave shape to greater gradient, includes excellent tally the 18th century. In Aranjuez we its history. These features make of this which it is said that the monarch would which was the teaching venue for More information: www.aranjuez.es best examples of a cultural landscape to medieval towns of contrasts and cohabi- panoramic views of the upper basin of see a prime example of the relations space a natural treasure of the Sierra watch the progress of the monastery’s students of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, be found in Europe. And the Montejo tation. Today they can be toured thanks the Jarama. between humans and nature through del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. building works. and the Paraninfo, the assembly hall Beech Forest is a natural space, out- to a special route. Their most singular Visits to the Montejo Beech Forest its farms and rural architecture. This where each 23rd of April the Spanish standing in its category for its environ- contribution is undoubtedly their are always guided by environmental enclave represents the unique model More information: www.sanlorenzoturismo.es Monarchs present the Cervantes Prize mental and landscape diversity. relationship with the progress made by educators and are free of charge, but of equilibrium between technique and for Literature, the “Nobel Prize of the Spanish language in an academic in order to ensure its conservation and aesthetics in the environment that Spanish letters”. Its comedy theatre, setting, with such notably humanist minimize impact on the setting, they was so typical of the Enlightenment, the Corral de Comedias dating from personalities as Antonio de Nebrija, the are restricted to a limited number. To understood as the entirety of this spot’s the 17th century on Plaza de Cervantes, author of the first Castilian Language enjoy them you have to book ahead on natural, social and cultural factors. offers guided tours as well as a careful- Grammar, dating from the 15th century ly selected programme of plays. its website or in person at the Resource and serving as a model for the rest of and Information Centre of the Sierra the European Romance languages. More information: www.turismoalcala.es del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. Some of the most renowned writers of the Golden Age of Spanish literature More information and bookings: passed through here, such as Francisco www.sierradelrincon.org de Quevedo, Calderón de la Barca, Félix Lope de Vega and, especially, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, a native of Alcalá and the author of the masterpiece Don Quixote of La Mancha. By bike and train

• The Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial • The University and historic centre of Alcalá de Henares • The Cultural Landscape of Aranjuez • The Montejo Beech Forest

More information:

Historic Trains: www.renfe.com www.trendefelipeii.com

CiclaMadrid: www.ciclamadrid.es Be guided by The UNESCO Architectural and Living traditions San Lorenzo Alcalá de Aranjuez The Montejo scientific development The three enclaves mentioned above criteria The Palace and Monastery of San are places that conserve and maintain exceptionality de El Escorial Henares In Aranjuez we get ready for long Beech Forest Lorenzo de El Escorial exerted con- their own folklore and live their walks with cultural, artistic and gastro- Masterworks of siderable influence on the subsequent festivals and traditions with intensity. What differentiates these sites? The San Lorenzo de El Escorial boasts an A visit to Alcalá de Henares can begin nomic stopovers. A visit to the Montejo Beech Forest, the creative genius development of Spanish architecture The Alcalá Holy Week; the pilgrimage criteria that determine whether a site extraordinary artistic heritage and its by taking us back to Roman times in An indispensable visit is to the in the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere and its construction processes. We of the Virgen de Gracia, Our Lady of can be included in the World Heritage Humanity’s creative genius has been location in the Guadarrama Mountain the ruins of Complutum, which form Royal Palace –built in the 18th century Reserve, becomes a very special experi- can gain some idea of the technical Grace, in San Lorenzo de El Escorial; list are few but very stringent. On a generously developed in the Madrid Range adds further natural and land- part of the Madrid Region’s Visitable in the French style brought to Spain by ence in contact with nature. Along the advances that the construction of this the Mutiny of Aranjuez, an uprising cultural plane, the listed sites have to Region, with works such as the scape attractions for mountaineers and Archaeological Sites. And once in the the new royal dynasty, the Bourbons— extensive mountainside that ends in 30,000-square-metres monastery in led against King Charles IV in the be masterworks, reflect the exchange of University of Alcalá and the Monastery hiking devotees who cannot resist the historic centre, we continue to discover which organizes guided tours; the the river Jarama, the beeches, together the heart of the Guadarrama Mountain turbulent years that preceded the human values or signify an important – of San Lorenzo. Their buildings are appeal of the Forest of La Herrería and the interesting history of Madrid in the Royal Barges Museum and the Casa with oaks and holly trees, create one of Range entailed in its time. Philip II Napoleonic invasion of Spain in 1808; or unique—spot in the development of architectural and sculptural benchmarks the Abantos Pine Forest. Regional Archaeological Museum. del Labrador cottage; and, inside the most beautiful and best-conserved stipulated that his library should be an together with traditional crafts or knowledge. For their part, natural assets of the Renaissance and served as the The monastery has immense his- But Alcalá is also the cradle of a the historic centre, the bicentennial environments in the whole of the exemplary place for study and research: cuisine, are kept alive and are very have to be eminent examples of the en- model for other centres of learning and torical, artistic and cultural value. The universally famous writer, Miguel de Bullring. In a walk around the Jardines Madrid Region. a veritable Chamber of Wonders with much worth discovering. vironmental and biological processes in power in Europe and America. They are palace buildings of the Hapsburgs and Cervantes Saavedra, the author of Don del Príncipe (the Prince’s Gardens), the You can traverse this magical forest drawings and engravings, portraits the planet’s evolution and stand out for two examples of the power of Humanist the Bourbons, the Library, the Basilica, Quixote of La Mancha, the world’s Jardines de la Isla (the Island Gardens) along different routes: the Senda del of personages, mathematical and their biodiversity and conservation. cultural development in the Spain of the A unique ecosystem the Patio de los Reyes (the Monarchs’ first novel. The Museum that recreates and the Parterre Gardens you will Río, the River trail which runs parallel In this context, the Monastery and scientific instruments, maps, spheres, to the Jarama, covers all the settings Golden Age, which lay the foundations With more than 120,000 trees, 900 of Courtyard), the Royal Pantheons and his birth house is located on the high evoke the melodies that the famed Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial astrolabes and reproductions of wildlife within the beech forest in an easy route for a new era in human knowledge. them centuries old, the Montejo Beech the Jardín de los Frailes (the Friars’ street, the Calle Mayor. composer Maestro Joaquín Rodrigo constitute a magnificent example of and flora. and is thus ideal for children and the Forest is a peak example of Europe’s Garden) are unique spaces that are not The University of Alcalá was dedicated to them in his celebrated Humanity’s creative spirit; the dimen- elderly. The Senda de la Ladera, the Exchange of knowledge primeval beech woods. It also has a to be missed. founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, Aranjuez Concerto. sion of the architectural complex and Landscapes of their time A stroll around the historic-artis an indispensable political figure in mountainside trail, is a climb on which and human values considerable density of other unique - Nature lovers will obtain special its natural setting make this a place of we can recognize species that grow The complex design of the Aranjuez species. The value of this forest resides tic complex and a visit to the Charles 15th-century Spain, together with the enjoyment from the environs of the inexhaustible value. Alcalá de Henares, The contribution of Alcalá de Henares at greater height. And for the most cultural landscape is the result of a above all in the flexibility of the trees III Royal Coliseum, an enchanting Catholic Monarchs who supported Tagus riverbanks, with the historic in turn, presents key element for the to the exchange of cultural values began experienced hikers, we recommend the combination of landscaping, architec- and their tolerance of the different cli- 18th-century theatre, are equally Columbus’s enterprise to America. groves and kitchen gardens that sur- knowledge and study of the Spanish at a time when three cultures coexisted Senda del Mirador, the Vantage Point tural and artistic works over several key matic, geographical and physical condi- recommended. We also suggest an A tour is essential to view its beauti- round the municipality. language and culture through two mil- in Spanish cities, the Christian, Jewish trail which, with its greater gradient, periods in Spanish history, fundamen- tions it has experienced in the course of excursion to Philip II’s Chair, from ful façade, the Trilingual Courtyard, lennia of history. Aranjuez is one of the and Muslim districts that gave shape to includes excellent panoramic views of tally the 18th century. In Aranjuez we its history. These features make of this which it is said that the monarch would which was the teaching venue for More information: www.aranjuez.es best examples of a cultural landscape to medieval towns of contrasts and cohabi- the upper basin of the Jarama. see a prime example of the relations space a natural treasure of the Sierra watch the progress of the monastery’s students of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, be found in Europe. And the Montejo tation. Today they can be toured thanks Visits to the Montejo Beech Forest between humans and nature through del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. building works. and the Paraninfo, the assembly hall Beech Forest is a natural space, out- to a special route. Their most singular are always guided by environmental its farms and rural architecture. This where each 23rd of April the Spanish standing in its category for its environ- contribution is undoubtedly their educators and are free of charge, but enclave represents the unique model More information: www.sanlorenzoturismo.es Monarchs present the Cervantes Prize mental and landscape diversity. relationship with the progress made by in order to ensure its conservation and of equilibrium between technique and for Literature, the “Nobel Prize of the Spanish language in an academic minimize impact on the setting, they aesthetics in the environment that Spanish letters”. Its comedy theatre, setting, with such notably humanist are restricted to a limited number. To was so typical of the Enlightenment, the Corral de Comedias dating from personalities as Antonio de Nebrija, the enjoy them you have to book ahead on understood as the entirety of this spot’s the 17th century on Plaza de Cervantes, author of the first Castilian Language its website or in person at the Resource natural, social and cultural factors. offers guided tours as well as a careful- Grammar, dating from the 15th century ly selected programme of plays. and Information Centre of the Sierra and serving as a model for the rest of del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. the European Romance languages. More information: www.turismoalcala.es Some of the most renowned writers of More information and bookings: the Golden Age of Spanish literature www.sierradelrincon.org passed through here, such as Francisco de Quevedo, Calderón de la Barca, Félix Lope de Vega and, especially, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, a native of Alcalá and the author of the masterpiece Don Quixote of La Mancha.