Miraflores de la Sierra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Miraflores de la Sierra
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
View of Miraflores de la Sierra from the mountain La Najarra.
|
|||
|
|||
 Miraflores de la Sierra
Location in Spain
|
|||
| Country |  Spain |
||
| Autonomous community |  Madrid |
||
| Province | Madrid | ||
| Comarca | Cuenca Alta del Manzanares | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 56.56 km2 (21.84 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 1,147 m (3,763 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
|
|||
| • Total | 5,897 | ||
| • Density | 104.261/km2 (270.03/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Mirafloreños | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
Miraflores de la Sierra is a charming town and municipality located in the northern part of the autonomous Community of Madrid, in central Spain. About 6,000 people live here. The town is located 49 kilometers (about 30 miles) away from the big city of Madrid.
Contents
History of Miraflores de la Sierra
How the Town Began
Miraflores de la Sierra was first settled by farmers from Segovia in the 1200s. Back then, it had a different name: Porquerizas. This name meant "pigsties," which probably came from the pig farms in the area.
The Name Change Legend
The town got its current name, Miraflores de la Sierra, in 1627. A popular story tells us that Elisabeth of Bourbon, who was the wife of King Philip IV of Spain, was traveling. She was on her way to a monastery called Santa María de El Paular.
As she passed by the village of Porquerizas, she saw many beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. She was so amazed that she exclaimed, Mira, ¡flores! This means "Look, flowers!" in Spanish. From that moment on, the village became known as Miraflores, which means "look at the flowers."
Festivities and Celebrations
Summer Festivities
Miraflores de la Sierra has several fun celebrations throughout the year. The main festivities begin on August 15th. These celebrations honor the Virgen de la Asunción, also known as Our Lady of the Assumption. She is considered the patron saint of the municipality.
Other Important Dates
- February 3rd: This day celebrates Saint Blaise. People often gather to honor him with special events.
- May 15th: This date is dedicated to San Isidro. He is a very important saint for farmers.
Getting to Miraflores de la Sierra
Public Transport Options
If you want to visit Miraflores de la Sierra using public transport, the easiest way is by bus. Bus line 725 connects the town to many other villages and also to Madrid. It is the main public transport link for the area.
Former Train Station
Miraflores de la Sierra used to have a train station. This station connected the village with major cities like Madrid, Burgos, and Irún. However, the train service to this station stopped in 2011. So, now the bus is the only public transport option.
See also
In Spanish: Miraflores de la Sierra para niños
