Paraje Pintoresco del Pinar de Abantos y Zona de La Herrería, Protected natural area in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
Paraje Pintoresco del Pinar de Abantos and La Herreria Zone form a large protected natural area with mountain slopes, forests, and a historic estate near the city. The territory features multiple walking trails and several key landmarks such as an old mountain chapel and a scenic viewpoint that together shape the landscape.
A king selected the mountain in the 16th century to build a major monastery and purchased the neighboring estate for timber operations. The link between this entire area and that construction project remained strong across the centuries and still shapes the place's identity today.
This land served as a royal hunting ground and timber source for centuries, shaping how the landscape developed. Today visitors walk through forests that remain tied to the nearby monastery's story and the region's past.
The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when fewer people are around and the trails feel quieter. Sturdy footwear is important since paths can be uneven and the elevation makes longer walks feel more demanding.
Rare butterfly species like the Apollo and Spanish Moon moth have made their home in the protected forests. These insects are difficult to spot, but their presence shows how valuable this place is for local wildlife.
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