Ever wonder where Madrid’s departed souls gather before ascending to heaven? We are standing at Cerro de Garabitas. This hill is in Madrid’s Casa de Campo park. It peaks at 677 meters. It is the second highest point in the park.
Cerro de Garabitas is steeped in history and legend. It offers panoramic views and a poignant connection to Madrid’s past. The saying goes like this: From Madrid to Heaven. What else would a true Madrileño say?
The hill gained notoriety during the Spanish Civil War. It served as a strategic location for Nationalist troops. They launched artillery barrages upon Madrid. Remnants of trenches still scar the landscape. These remain as silent witnesses to the conflict.
Between 1936 and 1939, the war raged. Republican forces tried to dislodge the Nationalist artillery. Despite repeated attempts, they could not regain control of Cerro de Garabitas. Anarchist Buenaventura Durruti’s column suffered heavy losses trying to capture this strategic point. The high ground remained in enemy hands.
On New Year’s Eve 1936, Nationalist artillery fired twelve shells at the Puerta del Sol. These were fired from here.
Even today, the scars of war are visible. Look closely at the undulations in the terrain. You can see the ghostly outlines of the old trenches.
After the war, Cerro de Garabitas became a site for military celebrations. Over time, its significance shifted. A fire watchtower was erected on its summit. It is still there today. Forest rangers use it to monitor the park.
The hill’s slopes once provided pasture for sheep, goats, and cows. These animals grazed peacefully unaware of the battles to come.
According to local legend, Cerro de Garabitas is where the souls of Madrid’s dead meet. They gather here before their final ascent to the sky. Some say you can see their souls as shimmering lights in the night.
In 1963 and 1964, the Vuelta a España, finished in Madrid. The route included an 87-kilometer circuit within the Casa de Campo. Cerro de Garabitas was a crucial climb in the mountain classification. It was ranked as a third-category climb. This was the only time the ascent has been a points-paying climb.
In 2004, the Vuelta a España passed here again. This time, the cyclists descended it during the final stage time trial. They had climbed the “Teleférico” before.
Today, Cerro de Garabitas offers a peaceful escape. The site gives cyclists and hikers a place to enjoy nature. From the summit, you can see Madrid’s skyline. From here you can also grasp its layered history. Take a moment to appreciate the view. Remember the lives that shaped this landscape. Contemplate the legends that linger in the air.