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Patones

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Patones, Medieval mountain village in Sierra Norte, Spain

Description

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.

History

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.

Culture

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.

Practical

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.

Did you know?

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.

Capital city
Patones de Abajo
Elevation above the sea
718 m
Part of
Mancomunitat «Alto Jarama», Mancomunitat de Serveis Culturales de la Sierra Norte de Madrid, Mancomunidad de Servicios Sociales «Sierra Norte», Mancomunitat del Embalse del Atazar
Shares border with
Valdepeñas de la Sierra, Uceda, Torremocha de Jarama, El Berrueco, Cervera de Buitrago, El Atazar
GPS coordinates
40.85472,-3.48528
Latest update
December 19, 2025 22:55

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« Patones - Medieval mountain village in Sierra Norte, Spain » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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