Patones, Medieval mountain village in Sierra Norte, Spain
Patones comprises two settlements, with the upper village perched at 832 meters elevation featuring traditional stone architecture, while the lower area sits in the Jarama River valley and serves as the modern administrative center. The upper section displays dense clusters of slate-roofed houses built closely together along narrow lanes.
The upper settlement developed as an independent community for centuries before being incorporated into the Spanish crown in the late 18th century under King Carlos III. This period of autonomy shaped its distinctive character and local governance traditions.
The stone houses in the upper settlement showcase slate roofs and narrow pathways that reflect centuries of mountain living. The layout reveals how residents adapted their homes to steep terrain and created tightly knit neighborhoods.
The municipality sits about 60 kilometers north of Madrid and is reachable by car or public transport. The lower area has parking and basic services, making it a good starting point for exploring the upper village on foot.
Nearby lies the Cueva del Reguerillo, a significant cave containing Paleolithic artifacts that rank among the most important archaeological finds in the Madrid region. Public access has been restricted since 2008 to protect the site.
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