The lands on the eastern side of the massif culminating in the Ocejón peak are home to some of the most picturesque towns in Castilla-La Mancha.

Leaving Cogolludo we can visit, at Beleña de Sorbe, the ruins of the castle of Doña Urraca and St. Michael’s church.

Further north, leaving Tamajón and the Vado lake behind –the latter fed by the waters of the Jarama river– we cross the Campillejo, with its unique parish church, and El Espinar, a cute town and a fine example of Black Architecture.

To reach Roblelacasa, we need to turn left. This small town is another good example of the zone’s original architecture. From here, a dirt track takes us to the uninhabited town of Matallana and the stunning Aljibe Waterfall, one of the most visited spots in the region. To the south, and still along a dirt track, La Vereda rises up, another (almost) unpopulated town nestled in an extremely beautiful spot.

Returning to the GU-186 road, we reach Campillo de Ranas, one of the best preserved examples of the Black Architecture towns. The traditional wafers and slate slabs form part of the walls, roofs and pavement of streets and squares. A stroll through the town takes us to the Fuente de las Ranas lookout point, the Roble Hueco (‘Hollow Oak’), the interesting Model Museum and the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene and its fascinating sundial.

We finally reach Majaelrayo, another of these towns with unquestionable charm. Springs, shrines, its perfectly integrated church, the Baños del Robledo pools, which for many years enjoyed great prestige due to its healing waters, combine with a fantastic natural setting. We recommend the excursion to the Matilla stream and waterfall.

The uniqueness of all the Black Architecture towns, their impressive landscapes, gastronomic delights and accommodation options, increasingly more varied and better quality, are reason enough to visit. This uniqueness has, by the way, been sufficient for nomination to receive the status of World Heritage Site. And they aren’t lacking in merit.