Discover Navalcarnero: Squares, Churches, Wine and Nature

Navalcarnero’s local history can be read in its squares, churches, wine and landscape. Plaza de Segovia has an irregular, spacious and open layout; arcades are located on three of its four sides. The square also forms part of Navalcarnero’s historic complex, which was protected in 2000 by Decree 266/2000 of 14 December.

Culture and History

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is recognised as a national historical-artistic monument and as a cultural asset in the category of a historical-artistic complex. At the Centro de Interpretación de Navalcarnero, or CINC for short, the exhibition is housed in a restored farmhouse that retains its traditional structure, with living area, wine cellar, courtyard, stable and cave. The exhibition area covers approximately 1,000 square metres and is divided into ten different sections. A visit to the CINC takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

The Museo del Vino is currently closed to the public. The Iglesia de San José was completely reconstructed in 2008, with particular attention paid to the round apse, the stone portal and the roof belfry. The Iglesia de San Pedro features polychrome artwork and iconography on its walls and ceilings; because of its impressive murals, it is nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Navalcarnero”.

The Ermita de San José was probably built between 1663 and 1668 and blessed in 1668. For centuries, the traditional Cuevas have formed part of Navalcarnero’s “hidden” architecture and are associated with the storage of food, especially wine. The Monumento al Labrador in Plaza de San José represents the traditional inhabitant of Navalcarnero: the figure is depicted in local costume and associated with wheat and grapevines. The open-air Parque-Museo Feliciano Hernández is dedicated to the internationally renowned sculptor Feliciano Hernández, who settled in Navalcarnero at a young age.

Wine and Local Cuisine

The earliest documented connection between Navalcarnero and wine is a 1340 authorisation to plant vineyards in the area of today’s municipal district. Navalcarnero’s wineries produce a broad range of wines, including young, fresh and fruity wines, signature wines, as well as Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. Local gastronomy is also traditionally associated with wine, chickpeas and lamb.

At a celebration held in Plaza de Segovia, Matanza tapas are served, preferably with Navalcarnero wine from the DO Vinos de Madrid; an arts and crafts market takes place in the surrounding area at the same time.

Festivals and Living Traditions

Plaza de Segovia is the setting for Navalcarnero’s patron-saint festivities, as well as the arts and crafts market and the book fair. Traditional events include the Encierros de Navalcarnero, which have been recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico. Most Encierros take place at night as part of the patron-saint festivities and begin at 1:00 a.m.

Before each Encierro, a procession led by a Charanga passes through the town, from Plaza de Segovia to the bullring. The Real Mercado del Siglo de Oro is designed in the style of the time of Philip IV. There, visitors can taste typical products of the town, attend theatrical performances, and admire and purchase handicrafts.

More places for planning your own trip: Tielmes, Buitrago Del Lozoya, Titulcia, Las Herreras, Guadarrama, Campo Real, Colmenar Viejo, Casarrubuelos.

Nature and Parks

Near Navalcarnero’s historic centre lies Parque Histórico de San Sebastián, with paths, squares, fountains and sculptures. Its Paseo de los Personajes Ilustres passes names associated with Navalcarnero’s art and culture. Parque Natural La Dehesa de Mari Martín covers approximately 10 hectares of pine trees, holm oaks and scrubland.

To the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.