Paraje Pintoresco del Pinar de Abantos y Zona de La Herrería

Paraje Pintoresco del Pinar de Abantos y Zona de La Herrería is a protected natural area right beside San Lorenzo de El Escorial, on the southern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, roughly 50 km from Madrid. The area spans close to 1,200 hectares split into two adjoining but clearly distinct sections: Monte Abantos and the historic La Herrería estate, once part of the lands attached to the El Escorial monastery.

Where does the name come from and what is the history behind it?

The name Abantos refers to vultures and Egyptian vultures, once called "abantos" in Spanish, which were abundant on the mountain during the reign of Philip II. It was on the slopes of this very mountain that the king chose to build the Monastery of El Escorial, which brought the whole area into the royal site complex. The La Herrería forest was the first estate Philip II acquired with the aim of assembling a large stretch of royal land around the monastery, underlining how central this terrain already was in the 16th century to the plans for one of Spain's most important architectural complexes.

What kind of vegetation and wildlife does the area protect?

The land is covered by dense pine forests, interspersed with oak and ash trees of notable botanical value. This variety makes the area valuable not just for its scenery but ecologically as well, sheltering species typical of the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, in a transition zone between the mountain climate above and the milder conditions of the lower reaches of the massif.

What are the main landmarks inside the protected area?

The best-known feature is the Silla de Felipe II (Philip II's Chair), a form carved into a granite outcrop that, according to legend, the king used to watch the construction of the El Escorial monastery. More recent research, however, suggests it may actually be the remains of a pre-Roman altar, adding an extra layer of historical intrigue to the site. The second key landmark is the Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia, a hermitage dedicated to the Virgin of Grace. A network of paths connects these main points of interest, making the area a popular destination for walking and hiking among both local residents of the Madrid region and visitors to El Escorial.

Why is it worth a visit alongside the monastery of El Escorial?

For anyone visiting the monumental monastery and palace of El Escorial, the Pinar de Abantos and La Herrería offer a natural complement to the trip — a chance to see the landscape that shaped Philip II's decision on where to locate his residence, and to take a break from stone architecture among pine forests. It is also an opportunity to trace a lesser-known, natural side of the site's history, one directly tied to one of the most important building complexes of Renaissance Spain.

Frequently asked questions

How large is this protected area? It covers around 1,171 hectares, split between Monte Abantos and the La Herrería estate.

What does the name "Abantos" mean? It comes from vultures (once called "abantos" in Spanish), which were common here during Philip II's reign.

What should visitors see in the park? Mainly the Silla de Felipe II and the Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia, linked by a network of walking trails.

How far is it from Madrid? About 50 km, on the southern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama.