El Boalo, Cerceda, Mataelpino

As its name suggests, this municipality is made up of three different villages, located within both the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park. Its setting in the Sierra de Guadarrama, just 52 kilometres from Madrid, gives El Boalo–Cerceda–Mataelpino a landscape of outstanding natural value.

History

Five archaeological sites have been documented in El Boalo: three dating to the Middle Ages (located where the village stands today) and two early medieval necropolises situated between El Boalo and Cerceda. Even so, the earliest historical references to the area are older still.

Mataelpino and Cerceda are mentioned in a document from 1208, where they appear as belonging to the sexmo of Manzanares within the Community of Villa and Land of Segovia. References to El Boalo come later, from the 15th century, when it appears in Serranillas, a work by Íñigo López de Mendoza, Marquis of Santillana.

The founding of El Boalo, Cerceda and Mataelpino, however, predates these written records. Like other villages in the area, after the Reconquest they were populated by Segovian shepherds, attracted by the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama and the availability of good pasture and a milder climate for their herds.

Between the 12th and 13th centuries, under a feudal context, the Sierra of Madrid became the scene of disputes between the councils of Madrid and Segovia over grazing rights and livestock routes, charcoal-making, firewood, hunting and the settlement of new inhabitants. Because of its rich pastures and strategic position, the territory was highly sought after by Segovian livestock farmers.

Numerous rulings were issued by different kings, but the best-known was that of Alfonso X “the Wise”, who, in an attempt to end the conflict, brought under the Crown the territory around the River Manzanares—roughly bounded by what are now Guadalix de la Sierra, Colmenar Viejo, Hoyo de Manzanares and Navacerrada. From then on, it became known as El Real de Manzanares, made up of 20 localities.

Once the area became El Real de Manzanares, the lands changed hands several times until King John I granted the territory in 1383 to Pedro González de Mendoza and his family. From this period onwards, El Boalo, Cerceda and Mataelpino can be considered consolidated settlements.

There is little precise information about the characteristics of the three villages or their population between the 16th and 18th centuries, and few references from the 16th and 17th centuries. What is known is that for centuries livelihoods depended mainly on livestock farming and agriculture, with cultivation often carried out communally.

In the 18th century, Cerceda (1747), and El Boalo and Mataelpino (1751), were granted the status of towns (villas). The Ensenada Cadastre (1752) provides the first clear insight into the municipality’s evolution. It records that El Boalo and Mataelpino were two neighbourhoods forming a single town and council, and, like Cerceda, all belonged to the Duchess of the Infantado, owner of El Real de Manzanares. At that time, El Boalo had just ten households, Mataelpino twenty, and Cerceda twenty, with a subsistence economy centred on farming and livestock.

In 1833, the towns of El Real de Manzanares became part of the Province of Madrid. El Boalo, Cerceda and Mataelpino were incorporated into Madrid, although it is not known exactly when they began to form a single municipality. In that century, population grew: Cerceda had 29 households and 100 inhabitants; El Boalo 17 households and 63 inhabitants; and Mataelpino 22 households and 88 inhabitants. Cereal farming remained important, and the cultivation of potatoes emerged. Livestock farming continued, especially sheep.

Another way of life that developed throughout the 19th century was stonemasonry, requiring workers to transport stone to Madrid.

Prosperity arrived with improvements in transport and communications, leading to population growth. By 1889, the municipality of El Boalo (already including the other two villages) had 102 households and 410 inhabitants. During the first half of the 20th century, the population continued to increase, reaching 941 inhabitants by 1960. However, the introduction of new construction materials triggered a crisis in stonemasonry, forcing many stonemasons to emigrate. Agriculture became less significant, and fields gradually turned into pastureland.

Over time, these traditional livelihoods were replaced by service-sector activities. Today, around 40% of income is linked to property development and seasonal residents, while the remaining 60% depends largely on providing services to this temporary population through bars, restaurants and hotels.

Culture

El Boalo–Cerceda–Mataelpino holds a rich heritage, including several important churches — notably Santa María la Blanca in Cerceda, which has been declared a National Historic Monument.

The municipality also preserves the charm of traditional mountain architecture: narrow streets, low stone houses, courtyards, ovens and small kitchen gardens. It is also home to archaeological remains, including a Visigothic necropolis.

Hermitage of Saint Isidore

Set in Las Laderas de El Boalo, in a privileged landscape with breathtaking views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, this distinctive hermitage was built during the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the generosity and labour of local residents, using granite masonry from the area. It reflects the devotion of the people of El Boalo to Saint Isidore, patron saint of farmers and livestock keepers.
At the foot of Peña Mediodía, next to the recreational area of the same name, the traditional pilgrimage in honour of the saint takes place on 15 May, bringing together residents and visitors for a day of celebration and hospitality.

San Isidro Country Chapel

This peculiar country chapel is located in the area of ​​Las Laderas de El Boalo, in a unique and sought-after environment, surrounded by magnificent scenery with stunning views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It was built thanks to the generous work of residents during the decades of the 80s and 90s, using granite masonry from the area.  It is a proof of the devotion the residents of El Boalo profess to San Isidro as the patron par excellence of the farmers and cattle breeders, a guild to which the vast majority of the residents formerly belonged. On the 15^th of May, the traditional pilgrimage in honour of the saint takes place at the foot of Peña Mediodía, next to the recreation area of ​​the same name. It attracts the participation of neighbours and tourists for a day in the countryside full of hospitality and of festive atmosphere.

Church of Saint Águeda

San Bartolomé, 10. Mataelpino.

Built after the collapse of the former Church of Saint Andrew, this modern church dates to the second half of the 20th century. When funding ran out during the initial construction, residents of Mataelpino decided in 1978 to complete it themselves, contributing funds and labour — an effort estimated to save around 70% of the construction costs. Built with local materials such as stone and wood, it houses the image of Saint Águeda, honoured during the traditional Day of the Águedas.

Church of Santa María la Blanca

Cerceda · Plaza del Cristo, s/n

Declared a National Historic Monument, this 16th-century church is a remarkable example of the refined religious architecture of Castile, often associated with the Ávila Gothic of the Catholic Monarchs’ era, with links to the last Romanesque traditions and the emerging Gothic style.
Notable features include the elegant bell tower, the granite masonry (with ashlar stone used for the sacristy), a Renaissance baptismal font and an impressive main altarpiece created by Flemish and Spanish artists, as well as the striking sculpture of the Christ of Hope. The church is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and hosts choral concerts throughout the year.

Church of Saint Sebastian the Martyr

El Boalo · Plaza de San Sebastián

Dating from the 17th century, this rectangular church is built in masonry with granite quoins reinforcing the corners. At the western end stands a well-crafted bell gable tower of two levels, with arched openings. The building has undergone several refurbishments, the most recent adding a porticoed gallery protecting the entrance.
Its interior consists of a single nave and houses the image of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of the village.

Visigothic Necropolis – Cerro de El Rebollar

Around 1960, a local resident, Victorio Rozalén, together with Felipe Sabaria, discovered an extensive necropolis while replanting pine trees on the hill known as El Rebollar, near the confluence of Arroyo del Herrero and the Samburiel River. Large stone slabs covered human remains and skeletons, and in some cases clay amphorae and copper coins were found.
Anthropomorphic rock-cut tombs have also been discovered in other parts of El Boalo, including Calle de El Vallejuelo and the meadow known as Cercas Viejas.

The horseshoeing frame (Potro de herrar)

The potro de herrar is a traditional construction found in many villages of the Sierra of Madrid — a symbol of the livestock heritage of these towns and a valuable element of local ethnographic heritage. Although no longer in use, these structures bear witness to past trades and everyday life. Their origins date back to the Middle Ages, and some were still used well into the 20th century. They were used to restrain animals for shoeing and basic veterinary care.
They can be seen in:

• El Boalo (M-617 road, exit from El Boalo towards Mataelpino)
• Cerceda (Calle Potro de Herrar, 7)

Festivals and traditions

Each of the three villages celebrates its own festivities — in other words, festivals here are multiplied by three. Patron saint celebrations and summer events fill the calendar with dancing, tastings and local folklore.

• Saint Sebastian – “La Luminaria” (16–20 January)
  The most solemn and deeply rooted celebration in El Boalo, possibly linked to the end of traditional pig slaughtering season. Alongside the morning procession, a large bonfire (luminaria) is lit at night, and everyone is offered hot chocolate with milk, flavoured with aniseed, and traditional chicharrones pastries to ward off the cold. 
• Saint Águeda (5 February) – Mataelpino
  Known as the Day of the Águedas, with women at the heart of the celebration. The day begins with the symbolic handover of the staff of office, followed by mass and procession, music and dancing, a tapas contest for the “Golden Crest”, and hot chocolate with pastries. 
• May Cross (3 May) – Cerceda
  A pilgrimage in the village dehesa, with street music (charanga) enlivening the celebration. 
• Saint Isidore Pilgrimage (15 May) – El Boalo
  A procession from the village church to the Hermitage, followed by the traditional mass and a countryside day out in the recreational area beneath the Sierra de los Porrones, with La Maliciosa in view. 
• El Boalo Summer Festival (early July)
  Bullfighting events, street running, evening dances and children’s activities, including the popular Community Dinner (Cena de Hermandad). 
• Mataelpino Summer Festival – Saint Bartholomew (24 August)
  Mass and procession, a pilgrimage in the park, music, bullfighting events, dances and children’s activities. A special highlight is the Boloencierro: a unique race in which a large expanding foam ball (around 150 kg and 3 metres in diameter) rolls after participants along the course until the main square. The children’s version uses a smaller ball but is just as thrilling. This event has gained international attention and attracts more participants every year. 
• Cerceda Summer Festival (last Thursday of August)
  Three days of celebrations including bullfighting events, street running, evening dances and activities for children.
  
• Christ of Hope (14 September) – Cerceda
  A day of devotion marked by a respectful procession, followed by leisure activities and the traditional “rabbit dinner” (cena del conejo).

 Nature

What defines the landscape here is livestock, meadows and water, framed by spectacular views of the granite cliffs of La Pedriza, Cuerda Larga, the Sierra de los Porrones and La Maliciosa.

A wonderful way to enjoy the municipality’s natural richness is to follow its walking routes and stop at viewpoints such as La Ponzoñilla (1,175 m), the final point of a nature route that crosses much of Mataelpino’s territory. The viewpoint offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the National Park: a small meadow sheltered by rockroses and junipers that thrive on the rugged terrain, creating a place of silence and pure immersion in nature.

Geology enthusiasts can visit the Gruta de la Calera (Cerceda), located in an area with glandular gneiss formations to the east of Cerceda, on either side of the sedimentary zone around Arroyo Samburiel within the National Park. The cave lies in a setting of sands, marls and limestones (Cretaceous), south of the Samburiel stream.