One of the great attractions of staying at Molino del Feo is the number of historic, charming villages located less than an hour away. The Sierra Norte de Segovia is home to some of the best-preserved towns in Castile and Le\u00f3n: cobblestone streets, Romanesque churches, arcaded squares, and that atmosphere of time standing still that\u2019s becoming increasingly hard to find. <\/p>\n
Pedraza is probably the most photographed town in the province. A medieval town designated a Historic-Artistic Site, it is completely walled and has preserved its medieval urban layout virtually intact. <\/p>\n
Its main square, lined with stone arcades and with the castle in the background, is one of the most recognizable sights of rural Segovia. The castle is open to visitors on weekends. <\/p>\n
What to see:<\/strong> Plaza Mayor, castle, medieval city walls, city gate, San Juan Church. Sep\u00falveda overlooks the impressive Durat\u00f3n River canyon from the top of a promontory. The Church of El Salvador (1093) is the oldest dated Romanesque church on the Iberian Peninsula. <\/p>\n What to see:<\/strong> El Salvador Church, Romanesque complex, city walls, views of the Durat\u00f3n River. Riaza is the capital of the judicial district of the Sierra de Ayll\u00f3n and a town of remarkable beauty. Its circular main square, lined with arcades and with the church in the background, is one of the most unique in Segovia. <\/p>\n In the fall, the combination of Riaza\u2019s main square and the La Pedrosa beech forest (just 7 km away) makes it one of the region\u2019s most sought-after destinations.<\/p>\n A little further away, Ayll\u00f3n is a medieval town that very few people outside the province know about. It boasts one of the best-preserved medieval complexes in Segovia: its Plaza de la Villa, with the Town Hall tower and Renaissance mansions, is strikingly grand. <\/p>\n Less well-known but with an extraordinary feature: Castilnovo Castle. This 15th-century Mudejar fortress, built of brick with circular towers, is one of the most photogenic in the province. Perfect for a quick afternoon visit. <\/p>\n Tur\u00e9gano is famous for its castle-church: the Church of San Miguel was incorporated into the castle\u2019s walled enclosure, creating a complex that is unique in Spain. From the towers, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Segovian plateau. <\/p>\n The area around Molino del Feo makes it possible to visit two towns a day without feeling overwhelmed:<\/p>\n Saturday:<\/strong> Pedraza (morning) + Sep\u00falveda and Hoces del Durat\u00f3n (afternoon) The key is not to try to see everything. Rural Segovia is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. <\/p>\n El Molino del Feo is ideally located for exploring all of these towns. Just 15 minutes from Castilnovo, 25 from Sep\u00falveda, 30 from Pedraza, and 55 from Riaza, it\u2019s the perfect base for a getaway to the most charming parts of Segovia. <\/p>\n
\nWhen to go:<\/strong> All year round. In the summer, the Candlelight Concerts (one night in July when the town is lit solely by candlelight) are a unique spectacle. <\/p>\nSep\u00falveda \u2014 25 km from Molino del Feo<\/h2>\n
\nWhat to do:<\/strong> From Sep\u00falveda, you can easily reach the Hoces del Durat\u00f3n Natural Park.<\/p>\nRiaza \u2014 55 km from Molino del Feo<\/h2>\n
Ayll\u00f3n \u2014 70 km from Molino del Feo<\/h2>\n
Castilnovo \u2014 15 km from Molino del Feo<\/h2>\n
Tur\u00e9gano \u2014 35 km from Molino del Feo<\/h2>\n
How to Visit Several Towns in One Weekend<\/h2>\n
\nSunday:<\/strong> Riaza and the La Pedrosa beech forest (morning) + a leisurely ride through Castilnovo (afternoon)<\/p>\nBase of operations: El Molino del Feo<\/h2>\n