Cerro del Ecce Homo, mountain
Cerro del Ecce Homo is a small mountain near Alcalá de Henares with a flat, wide summit and trapezoid-shaped profile. The peak offers broad views over the city, surrounding towns, the Henares River valley, and on clear days, Madrid's skyline and distant peaks.
The mountain has served as a key landmark for centuries and is linked to a pivotal moment in 1118 when Christian forces reclaimed the city. Near the summit stand ruins of a ninth-century Arab fortress built as part of the Muslim defense system, which fell during this conquest and now shows only fragments like a square tower and arches.
The mountain is known locally by the name Pico de la Vera Cruz, a title rooted in stories passed down through generations by residents. Visitors can sense the site's importance in local memory and how it remains a landmark that connects people to their regional heritage.
The mountain can be reached on foot or by bike, with the complete route taking about five to six hours and covering around eleven kilometers. The path is marked with yellow signs, requires no special skills, and mostly follows easy forest trails, making it suitable for most visitors.
Several caves along the route hold local legends, particularly the so-called Cave of the Giants with stories about mythical giants. During the Spanish Civil War, hundreds of families sought refuge in these underground spaces, using them as shelters from air attacks.
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