Cadalso de los Vidrios brings together archaeological remains, protected buildings and three routes of varying lengths and landscapes. You can explore cultural history and nature as separate focuses of your trip: the routes range from 16 to 17.7 kilometres.
Archaeological remains and protected buildings
The archaeological site of La Mezquita is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the archaeological zone category. You can see the remains of a Romanesque-Mudéjar church, built in several phases, and an adjacent cemetery. Its graves date from the Middle Ages—specifically the 11th and 12th centuries—through to the modern era.
Free 30-minute guided tours of La Mezquita are available by prior telephone booking only. Arrange your appointment before you arrive. The fortified complex of Cadalso de los Vidrios is also protected as a Monument of Cultural Interest.
The gardens adjoining the Palacio of the Marqués de Villena are protected in the same way. They include terraces, a staircase, a pond and a spring. The Fuente de los Álamos is opposite the Palacio de Villena. It is of Muslim origin and is considered the oldest spring in the town.
Routes through the landscape
Cadalso de los Vidrios lies within a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). The surrounding countryside offers routes for walking, horse riding and cycling. Descriptions of three routes show how different an outing can be.
The Ruta de la Peña is a marked, 16-kilometre circular walking route. It starts at the bullring in Cadalso de los Vidrios and runs along the slopes of Peña Muñana, down to the Boquerón stream. Along the way, it passes through pine forest and by the ruins of a former resin plant. The route is therefore shaped both by the landscape and by traces of its earlier use.
The Ruta del Puerto Real is also 16 kilometres long. This circular route leads from Cadalso over the hills of Monte Lancharrasa and through a chestnut grove to Rozas de Puerto Real. It returns to Cadalso via the Tórtolas Valley. Although they are the same length, the two routes differ mainly in the sections described: one features a stream, pine forest and ruins; the other, hills, a chestnut grove and a valley.
The Ruta de El Encinar is 17.7 kilometres long. It starts in Cadalso and returns there via the slopes of Peña Muñana; it also passes through Cenicientos. This offers a longer option alongside the two 16-kilometre circular routes, with another named town along the way. Signage and trail conditions may change. Check the latest information before setting out.
Nature watching at El Venero
The “El Venero” Nature Interpretation Centre is housed in a renovated former forester’s cottage. Nearby are the “El Venero” spring catchment, a former swimming pool converted into an amphibian pond, and several ponds. Common frogs, salamanders and newts live in these ponds. The amphibian pond and the species mentioned provide a tangible connection between this nature theme and the habitats around the centre.
Winegrowing and regional produce
Another facet of Cadalso is the Bodega Cristo del Humilladero cooperative winery, which has been operating since 1956. Using grapes from local vineyards, it produces red and rosé wines, mainly from Garnacha grapes, marketed under the name Joyuelo. It also produces Joyuelo blanco, a white wine made from Albillo grapes. The grape varieties and wine types clearly distinguish the red and rosé production from the Albillo white wine, adding an insight into winegrowing to the cultural and landscape themes.
Discover more destinations: Ribatejada, Torremocha De Jarama, El Gasco, San Martín De La Vega, Navalcarnero, Braojos, Boadilla Del Monte, Valdeavero.
For the regional travel overview: Madrid.
