The placement of the municipality on a hillside means it has steep streets, with picturesque whitewashed houses that reflect a bright, cheerful town. The most important landmark in Orusco is the 16th-century Church of St. John the Evangelist. With three naves separated by simple yet robust Tuscan columns and a beautiful coffered ceiling, inside it guards a Renaissance baptismal font. On the outside, the two-part tower stands out in particular.
Its most important and representative figure is Our Lady of Bellaescusa, patron saint of Orusco de Tajuña, whose celebrations are held at the end of August, beginning of September. She is together with the two hunters who, legend has it, were arguing over a partridge when the Virgin Mary appeared as a mediator to help solve their dispute; before the miracle, the two exclaimed ‘una bella escusa para no reñir’ (a beautiful excuse not to quarrel), hence the name of this Virgin Mary figure. We recommend you do the beautiful walk to the Hermitage of Bellaescusa and learn more about this legend, while taking in the scenery.
Another religious festival in Orusco de Tajuña is the Passion of Christ, which has been performed on the night of Holy Saturday for more than 25 years. This unique performance takes place in the streets, squares and the 4 stages set up in the grounds of the Culture Centre’s park, and all the actors are locals. The people of Orusco take part silently, making this performance an evening full of respect and emotion.
