In one of the most secluded corners of the Madrid autonomous community, nestled among centuries-old oaks and mist-shrouded peaks, lies the village of Puebla de la Sierra. Every autumn, a true marvel awakens here—a valley transformed into an open-air art gallery, where sculptures and nature engage in a silent dialogue. The journey to this place, located at an elevation of nearly 1,100 meters, is an adventure in itself. The winding mountain road prepares visitors for a space where silence and creativity seem to make time stand still.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a small settlement built from reddish stone and slate—isolated from the outside world for centuries and protected by the peaks of the Sierra del Rincón, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. But the real surprise awaits ahead. This is the ‘Valle de los Sueños’—an open-air exhibition featuring over a hundred works of contemporary art, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding forest trails, streams, and meadows around the municipality.
The idea for this project emerged in the 1990s thanks to sculptor Federico Eguía and a group of artists. They dreamed of a space where art could break free from the city walls and engage in dialogue with the mountains. Gradually, their vision became reality. Today, it is a circular route of about seven kilometers with gentle elevation changes, where anyone can encounter works by more than sixty Spanish and international artists, feel them, and interpret them in their own way.
As you walk along the trail, you move from light to shadow, discovering unexpected forms that seem to grow out of the landscape with every step. This transforms an ordinary walk into an almost magical experience. Stone, bronze, and iron sculptures blend in among the ochre and golden hues of autumn. One of the most photographed artworks is Meira’s ‘Giant Chair’—a white structure made from recycled wood rising on the hillside, as if inviting you to sit and gaze at the horizon. Equally eye-catching are the ‘Tree of Life,’ a metal composition symbolizing the connection between earth and sky, and ‘The Embrace’—two intertwined stone figures representing the union of creativity and nature.
In addition to the Valle de los Sueños, the village has two more spots that highlight its creative identity. The first is the Museum of Contemporary Japanese Painting, established as a result of twinning with Osaka and showcasing works gifted by Japanese artists. The second is the Museum of Drawing and Graphics, featuring pieces by great twentieth-century names, including Picasso, Antonio López, and Miquel Barceló.
Beyond its exhibition halls, Puebla retains its authentic mountain character. On its cobbled streets, you can find the Ermita de la Soledad chapel, an old community forge, and ‘tinaos’—small stone buildings that recall the region’s pastoral past. To recharge, try the local cuisine: sample wild game stew, the traditional dish migas, or grilled meats at one of the local restaurants overlooking the forest.
This blend of art, nature, and tranquility makes Puebla de la Sierra one of the most unique destinations for a trip from Madrid. The drive from the capital takes about an hour and forty-five minutes along the A-1 to Buitrago del Lozoya, from where a scenic mountain road begins. You can explore the entire valley route in about two and a half hours. For those who want deeper insight into the creation of the artworks, the town hall organizes guided tours.
