Attractions and Places To See around El Ordial - Top 20

El Ordial is nestled at the foot of the Sierra del Alto Rey, offering a picturesque backdrop of meadows, hills, ravines, and streams. You can also visit Pico Ocejón, one of the highest and most popular peaks for trekking in the region, or the impressive Despeñalagua Waterfall, a series of cascades on the Chorrera stream.

Yes, within El Ordial, you can explore the 13th-century Romanesque Iglesia de San Sebastián, which retains its historical essence despite reforms. The village also features a notably large Plaza Mayor with the town hall, and traditional architecture characterized by wide streets, narrow medieval alleys, and stone houses. The Cultural Center (Casa de Cultura) is one of the largest in the Sierra region.

The region is famous for its 'Black Architecture' (Arquitectura Negra), characterized by the use of slate and quartzite in buildings. A prime example is Valverde de los Arroyos, a nearby village where the slate roofs are often interspersed with quartzite, giving them golden tints. This village also houses an ethnographic museum.

Absolutely. The Despeñalagua Waterfall offers a route suitable for the whole family. El Ordial itself has a charming park in the village center with swings, fountains, and a picnic area, as well as a comprehensive sports complex for football, fronton, basketball, and volleyball.

For challenging hikes, consider ascending Pico Ocejón, one of the highest peaks in the region. Routes often start from nearby villages like Majaelrayo or Valverde de los Arroyos. You can find more detailed running and hiking routes, including difficult options like the GR 60 Pueblos de la Arquitectura Negra, on the Running Trails around El Ordial guide.

Yes, the annexed village of La Nava de Jadraque within El Ordial's territory holds historical significance as the site of gold mines exploited since Roman times. Additionally, a Roman bridge is mentioned in the vicinity, adding to the area's historical intrigue.

The nearby Sonsaz National Game Reserve is a haven for wildlife. Visitors may spot wild boar, roe deer, badgers, hares, rabbits, and partridges, making it an excellent spot for nature observation.

Visitors particularly appreciate the unique 'Black Architecture' of villages like Valverde de los Arroyos, noting its beauty and the opportunity to stroll through its streets. The scenic beauty and moderate difficulty of the hiking routes to Pico Ocejón are also highly praised, as are the spectacular views and family-friendly nature of the Despeñalagua Waterfall.

Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. For mountain biking, you can explore trails like the 'Galve de Sorbe Castle loop' or the 'Cave of the Bear loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Alto Rey and the Black Slate Villages Loop'. More details can be found on the MTB Trails around El Ordial guide and the Road Cycling Routes around El Ordial guide.

Yes, the Hermitage of Los Enebrales, built in the 16th century in Romanesque style and reformed in the 18th century, is a notable religious site. It houses the Virgen de los Enebrales, patron saint of Tamajón, and was historically a resting place for pilgrims.

While the village thrives in summer with a vibrant community, the region offers diverse experiences year-round. The Despeñalagua Waterfall flows throughout the year, and in winter, frost can add a magical touch. For hiking, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful landscapes, though specific trail conditions can vary.