Villarejo de Salvanés – Culture, Esparto and Historic Trails

Traditional Esparto spinning was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Community of Madrid by Decree 32/2025 of 28 May 2025.

Culture

The first Museo de los Tercios Españoles is located in the Torre del Homenaje. It presents the history of the municipality and its castle within the context of Spanish history. The Museo del Cine is located in the former “Cine París” in Villarejo de Salvanés (Madrid) and is Spain’s first professional and technological film museum. Hall B displays a complete film projection booth from each decade of the 20th century – from the Lumière brothers’ first cinematographs to the latest models of our time.

The Iglesia de San Andrés Apóstol is a fortress-style church built by the Military Order of Santiago. It is considered a unique example in Spain and has eight towers, whereas comparable structures usually have only four. The Casa de la Tercia serves as a multipurpose hall and hosts numerous temporary exhibitions. After the battle, Don Luis de Requesens asked Pope Pius V for permission to build a monastery in the place he commanded. The Casa de la Encomienda had administrative and economic functions well into the 16th century; from there, levies were collected from passing travellers and merchants.

The Museo Etnográfico in Villarejo de Salvanés offers free weekly Esparto workshops. A free exhibition with more than 1,000 items can also be visited.

Traditions

La Pasión de Villarejo has been held since 1980. In 2013, it was declared an event of tourist interest by the Community of Madrid. Feria AgroMadrid is an exhibition of agricultural and livestock products for promotion and sale, and has been held annually since 1984.

Nature

The Fuente lavadero del Cañuelo complex was built in 1776 and restored to its original form through archaeological work. Its surroundings include landscapes with Portuguese oaks and holm oaks, as well as elderberry bushes and thyme. The animals found there include rabbits, hares, foxes and wild boar.

Trails

The route to the Santa María archaeological site passes the ruins of a medieval two-aisled hermitage divided by two pillars, near the source of the San Pedro stream, and offers wide panoramic views. It runs through a mosaic-like agricultural landscape with extensive dry farmland.

North of the Santa María archaeological site lie the remains of a Roman road, which may have been the Vía del Esparto. The route also includes the remains of a Carpetanian hillfort; its historical classification dates back to the Bronze Age. The different trail lengths and historical sites can be considered as separate highlights for planning your own itinerary.

Getting there

Bus routes 351, 352 and 353, which depart from Ronda de Atocha, stop in Villarejo de Salvanés.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Villarejo de Salvanés, compare the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the listing pages. These three details provide a clear basis for your personal decision.

Further destinations:La Serna Del Monte, Algete, Vaciamadrid, Lozoya, Jardín De Serracines, San Fernando De Henares, Puebla de la Sierra, Húmera

For the overview of higher-level destinations: Madrid.