In Madrid, the expression “full house” resonates not only in the capital, but also in the surrounding villages. Places like the Hayedo de Montejo, one of the most acclaimed landscapes of the Community during the fall, already demand reservations to enter. Fortunately, there are still places that have managed to avoid the feared overcrowding. One of them is the Gruta de Nuestra Señora de Begoña, on the outskirts of Miraflores de la Sierra. From its entrance, a path decorated with hedges leads to a natural stone altar, surrounded by gardens and statues.
What is the patron saint of Biscay doing in Miraflores?
The altar is guarded by a small grotto with vines. Here, in a glass case, is the Virgin of Begoña. The Marian invocation, patron saint of Biscay, came to this place thanks to Julián Reyzábal Delgado, an accountant of Burgos origin who, after making a fortune in Bilbao, moved to Madrid to create an empire that still lasts (he became the owner of the famous Torre Picasso).
His love for the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares led the businessman to settle in a mansion in Miraflores overlooking the Guadalix River. Under this bucolic building, he had a place of worship built in 1952 to venerate the patron saint of the province where he spent his adolescence and youth.
Rouco Varela, then Archbishop of Madrid, approved in 2002 that the grotto be used to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, unlike the old palace of the Reyzábal family, the space in honor of the Biscayan Virgin is open to the public to attend Mass in summer, celebrate weddings or simply enjoy the views.
In winter you can enter free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until nightfall (between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.). In summer, it maintains a fixed schedule from 9:00 to 21:00 hours. It should be noted that the enclosure may close due to adverse weather conditions or lack of visitors, so in low season it is advisable to contact the parish of Miraflores de la Sierra before going.
What to see in Miraflores de la Sierra
Hiking enthusiasts cannot visit the grotto without first planning a tour of the surroundings of Miraflores. In this village, formerly called Porquerizas, begins a route from La Fuente del Cura, a recreational area in the middle of nature. The path shows beautiful reservoirs such as Pedrezuela or Santillana, and sets of ancient oak trees as the famous Seventeen Brothers.