Towns and villages
Venturada and Cotos de Monterrey: history, oak groves and art
Discover the historic center of Venturada and dedicate time to Cotos de Monterrey, a large urbanization of the municipality with cultural life, urban art and an environment of holm oaks.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Venturada is located next to the A-1 highway, in the Sierra Norte region of Madrid. Nestled between the valleys of the Sacedón, Cabozo, and Albalá streams, the landscape combines holm oak groves, pastures, and riparian vegetation. The traditional town center, Los Rosales, and Cotos de Monterrey make up a municipality with diverse environments that deserves to be explored in stages.
Cotos de Monterrey occupies a significant portion of the eastern territory and plays a central role in present-day Venturada. This extensive residential development, nestled in the foothills of the Venturada mountain, features homes among holm oaks and spaces for cultural activities and community gatherings. Its mural, Guardianes de la Sierra (Guardians of the Sierra), and the aquaponics project next to the Puerta de la Sierra coworking space provide compelling reasons to include it in your visit.
Roman presence is documented in the area, and the watchtower is a reminder of the defensive organization of this territory during the Islamic period. In the Middle Ages, Venturada belonged to the jurisdiction of Uceda; in 1593 it received the privilege of town status granted by Philip II. The Church of St. James the Apostle, whose origins date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, preserves evidence of that medieval period alongside the subsequent transformations of the town.
What to see and what to do
Monterrey Country Clubs
Set aside some time during your visit to this residential area of Venturada, notable for its size and vibrant community and cultural scene. The Cotos de Monterrey square is a popular meeting place and venue for festivals and educational events like Ventuciencia. The residential setting among holm oaks offers a glimpse into a different side of the town compared to the historic center.
On Puerto de Despeñaperros Street, next to the coworking space's parking lot, look for the mural "Guardians of the Sierra" by Jesús Mateos Brea. The painting visually transforms a water tank with fantastical animals inspired by the local mountain wildlife. It's a perfect spot to enjoy urban art and observe how an everyday piece of infrastructure can be integrated into the landscape.
Next to the Puerta de la Sierra coworking space is the Venturada aquaponics project, which combines plant cultivation with fish farming and water circulation. Check the visiting conditions before you go.
Venturada's Old Town and Heritage
Stroll around the Church of Santiago Apóstol and admire its Romanesque portal. The Plaza de la Suelta and the horse-shoeing frame help to situate the village's past as a crossroads and center of livestock activity. Complete your historical exploration with the watchtower: its circular masonry tower was part of a medieval surveillance network and was declared a historical-artistic monument in 1983. Check the current access to the surrounding area and the possibility of visiting the interior of the church.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start in the town center of Venturada: the Church of Santiago Apóstol, Plaza de la Suelta, and the horse-shoeing frame. After lunch, spend the afternoon in Cotos de Monterrey, stopping at the Guardianes de la Sierra mural and strolling around the main square. If you've already booked a visit to the aquaponics farm, you can add it to this second part of your day.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate one day to the town center and its medieval heritage, and another to Cotos de Monterrey and its holm oak landscape. The Camino de la Historia (History Trail) offers a municipal route connecting both areas, but it's advisable to plan your itinerary using their map and check the road sections. If your stay coincides with a cultural event in Cotos, adjust your plans to the confirmed program for that particular event.
Where to eat
In Cotos de Monterrey, the street along Puerto de Despeñaperros offers options such as Restaurante Génova and Bar El Coto. Its location makes it a great place to take a break while visiting the residential area and the mural.
In the town center of Venturada, the municipal tourist directory lists Pulpería Ribeiriño, at Calle del Parador, 2, and Bar Reyes, at Calle de la Venta, 8. Confirm directly whether they are open, offer food service, and make reservations for the day of your visit.
Routes and nature
The holm oak forest of Mount Venturada is one of the key features of the landscape surrounding Cotos de Monterrey. The streambeds are dotted with ash and poplar trees, while the open areas retain pastures and the traces of livestock grazing. The old drove roads help to understand the relationship between the village, the pasturelands, and the neighboring municipalities.
The Path of History is a municipal route of approximately 15 km that starts from Plaza de la Suelta and connects the town center, Mount Carrascal, Cotos de Monterrey, the watchtower, and the area around the Albalá stream. The published description includes road crossings and sections along the highway; please consult the updated route and trail conditions before setting out. The distance requires planning your day and may not be suitable for every visitor.
Bring water, check the weather forecast, and stay on designated paths. For a visit focused on Cotos, you can combine a stroll through its urban spaces with a visit to the mural, without assuming that the properties or facilities of the development are open to the public.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, the main access is the A-1. For the town center of Venturada, the Town Hall indicates exit 50, Venturada–Torrelaguna; for Cotos de Monterrey, exit 49. Select the specific destination before traveling, because the town center and the residential area have different access routes.
The intercity bus line 193A connects El Molar, Cotos de Monterrey, and Venturada. In Cotos, it stops on Avenida de Monterrey, and in the town center, it reaches Venturada-Carretera de Irún. To travel from Madrid, check with the Regional Transport Consortium for connections and departures to your destination, as well as the return schedule.
The Cotos coworking space has a parking area next to the water tank where the mural is located. Please respect reserved parking spaces and all signage. In the rest of the municipality, park only where permitted and keep access to homes and roads clear.
Upcoming parties and plans
Cotos de Monterrey boasts summer festivals and a program that highlights its main square. The municipal publications consulted include neighborhood activities, music, and children's events; each program should be checked for confirmed dates and events.
Ventuciencia is another highlight of Cotos: a municipal outreach initiative with the participation of scientific and educational institutions. Its content changes from year to year, so it's advisable to check the current program before planning your trip.
In the town of Venturada, the San Juan festivities are traditionally held on June 24th. San Isidro and the Virgen de la Antigua are also part of the local celebrations. These dates reflect the traditional calendar; the specific dates, times, and activities for future celebrations will depend on the programs published by the municipality.
Where to sleep
Los Rosales de Venturada is a rural house located at Calle Rosales, 4, in the heart of Los Rosales. It offers the perfect base for exploring the town and visiting the Cotos de Monterrey area. Check availability, booking conditions, and included services directly for your dates.
Practical information
The telephone number for Venturada Town Hall is 91 843 92 12 and the municipal customer service email address [email protected] can consult the municipality about the cultural agenda, local tours and the conditions for visiting its tourist attractions.
Cotos de Monterrey is a residential area belonging to Venturada. When organizing meals, visits, or trips, specify whether your destination is in Cotos, the town center, or Los Rosales. The size of the area makes it especially useful to locate the street and bus stop you need in advance.
Please confirm access to the church and the aquaponics facility before your visit. In Cotos, the swimming pools and other facilities may have their own usage conditions; their existence does not imply free access for visitors.