Ayuntamiento de Alcocero de Mola

Alcocero de Mola is a tiny municipality in the province of Burgos, in the Castile and León region of Spain, home to only a few dozen residents. It sits in the La Bureba comarca, within the Briviesca judicial district, roughly 34 km from the provincial capital, Burgos. The village carries an unusual history — its current name is not the original one, and the second part was only added in the 20th century.

Where does the name Alcocero de Mola come from?

The village was originally called simply Alcocero. In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, an aircraft carrying General Emilio Mola — one of the leading commanders of the Nationalist side — crashed near the village. The Airspeed Envoy plane, flying from Vitoria to Valladolid, hit a hillside during a severe storm on 3 June 1937. Five people died: General Mola himself, along with Lieutenant Colonel Pozas, Captain Chamorro, Commander Senac, and Sergeant Barreda. In memory of the event, "de Mola" was appended to the village's name.

What can you see in Alcocero de Mola?

On the hillside just outside the village, at the crash site, stands a monumental memorial to General Mola. Inaugurated by Francisco Franco himself in 1939, it takes the form of a grand stone staircase climbing the slope, topped by a column over 20 metres tall. Its base features five arches, symbolising the five people who lost their lives in the accident. It's one of the largest surviving monuments connected to the Spanish Civil War, and remains a subject of ongoing debate around historical memory in Spain.

Inside the village itself, the 16th-century parish church is worth a look — the oldest surviving building in Alcocero de Mola, a reminder of a time when the settlement was considerably larger.

What else is there to do nearby?

The surrounding countryside is classic La Bureba landscape: quiet, rural terrain crossed by walking and cycling paths, well suited to an unhurried day trip away from crowds. It's a good stop for travellers looking for history and stillness rather than bustling attractions.

What's the local food like?

Cuisine around Burgos, including in Alcocero de Mola, favours hearty, simple dishes: red beans (alubias rojas), game meat, wild mushrooms gathered seasonally in the nearby forests, and roast lamb — a Castilian classic.

How do you get to Alcocero de Mola?

The village lies about 34 km from Burgos, most easily reached by car via the local roads connecting the La Bureba comarca to the provincial capital. It makes a convenient stop when exploring the wider Burgos region, especially combined with a visit to nearby Briviesca, seat of the judicial district.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons — mild weather makes the surrounding trails pleasant, and autumn also brings the mushroom season that features so heavily in local cooking. Summers can be quite hot, typical of Castile's continental interior.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the village called Alcocero de Mola? The "de Mola" was added after the 1937 plane crash that killed General Emilio Mola near the village during the Spanish Civil War.

What is the main attraction in Alcocero de Mola? The monumental memorial to General Mola on the hillside outside the village, inaugurated by Francisco Franco in 1939, and the 16th-century parish church in the village centre.

How many people live in Alcocero de Mola? It's a very small municipality with only a few dozen permanent residents, typical of the depopulated rural areas of Castile and León.

How far is Alcocero de Mola from Burgos? The village is about 34 km from Burgos, the provincial capital, within the La Bureba comarca.