Cerro Almodóvar, Inselberg in Vicálvaro, Spain
Cerro Almodóvar is a limestone hill in southeastern Madrid that rises 726 meters above sea level and stands out distinctly in the flat landscape. The hill has an oval shape and clearly defines the character of this area's terrain.
The hill was an important burial site in the 6th century, as excavations in 2011 revealed over 900 Visigothic graves beneath its base. During the Spanish Civil War, the height served strategic military purposes with fortifications built into its slopes.
The name comes from Arabic and means 'the round', though the hill's shape is more oval, standing distinctly against the Madrid skyline. This silhouette has served as a visual landmark for people in the area for centuries.
Several hiking trails lead from the roundabout at Avenida de las Comunidades to the summit, with the route crossing railway tracks. Early morning is ideal for hiking when trails are less crowded and visibility is clearer.
The hill contains remains of a Republican bunker from the Spanish Civil War that served as an observation post monitoring surrounding roads. This hidden military installation is still partially visible to observant visitors and tells an often overlooked story of the place.
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