Discover Cadalso: Culture, Trails and Wine

La Mezquita is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of archaeological zone. The archaeological site comprises the remains of a Romanesque-Mudejar church with several construction phases, as well as an adjoining cemetery with graves dating from the Middle Ages (11th–12th centuries) to the modern era.

Culture and History

Construction of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción began in 1498, using part of Cadalso’s Arab wall. The fortified complex of Cadalso de los Vidrios is also protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural).

The gardens adjoining the Palacio del Marqués de Villena, with their terraces, staircase, pond and spring, are likewise protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). The Palace of Villena was transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century; together with these gardens and a pond, it stands in a public park, although the palace itself is not open to visitors.

Opposite the Palacio de Villena is the Fuente de los Álamos, a spring of Muslim origin considered the oldest spring in the town. Free 30-minute guided tours of La Mezquita are available, but only by prior telephone appointment.

Hiking Trails and Nature

Cadalso de los Vidrios lies within a Special Protection Area for birds (ZEPA). The municipality’s natural surroundings offer routes for walking, riding and cycling.

The signposted Ruta de la Peña is a 16-kilometre circular hiking trail starting at the bullring of Cadalso de los Vidrios. It descends along the slopes of Peña Muñana to the Boquerón stream, through pine forest and past the ruins of a former resin-production facility.

The Ruta del Puerto Real is also 16 kilometres long and runs from Cadalso over the hills of Monte Lancharrasa and through a chestnut grove to Rozas de Puerto Real. The circular route returns to Cadalso via the Tórtolas Valley.

The Ruta de El Encinar begins in Cadalso, is 17.7 kilometres long and leads back to Cadalso via the slopes of Peña Muñana. You can compare routes of different lengths and courses when organising your daily itinerary.

The El Venero Nature Interpretation Centre is housed in a renovated former forest lodge. Nearby are the El Venero spring source, a former swimming pool converted into an amphibian pond, and several ponds inhabited by common frogs, salamanders and newts.

Wine and Regional Produce

The Bodega Cristo del Humilladero cooperative has existed since 1956. Regional vineyards produce red and rosé wines, mainly from Garnacha, marketed under the name Joyuelo, as well as the white wine Joyuelo blanco made from Albillo.

At Almenara Rural, weekend visits are offered that include a tour of the vineyard, an explanation of winemaking at the bodega, and a guided tasting of three wines with appetisers.

Further destinations: El Berrueco, Getafe, Robledillo De La Jara, El Molar, Horcajuelo De La Sierra, Ribatejada, Cenicientos and San Martín De La Vega.

Public transport to Cadalso de los Vidrios is available from the Príncipe Pío interchange station with Interbús El Gato.

For the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.