Towns and villages
Scaffold of the Glass
Heritage of stone, memory of glass and vineyards at the foot of Peña Muñana.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Cadalso de los Vidrios occupies a corner of southwest Madrid, near the lands of Ávila and Toledo. Peña Muñana stands out against a landscape of granite, pine forests, holm oaks, and vineyards. In the town, stone appears in doorways, fountains, and historic buildings, while wine maintains a vibrant connection with the countryside.
Its location on the roads connecting Toledo and Ávila contributed to its medieval importance. The La Mezquita archaeological site preserves the remains of a Romanesque-Mudéjar temple, whose earliest construction phases date from the 12th and 13th centuries, along with a necropolis. The Villena Palace and the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption offer further insight into the town's history.
The surname "de los Vidrios" (of the Glass) recalls an activity that brought prestige to the municipality: its kilns produced pieces for the Royal Pharmacy of the Monastery of El Escorial and continued operating until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, stonemasonry and viticulture help to understand its identity, a blend of artisanal work, heritage, and rural landscape.
What to see and what to do
Begin at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and continue towards the Villena Palace. The palace visit is limited to the exterior; the interior is private. The adjacent park and its pond offer another perspective of the local heritage; please confirm the day's access conditions.
On Calle Real, the façade of the Casa de los Salvajes (House of the Savages) features two stone figures that explain its name. Complete your stroll with the Fuente de los Álamos (Fountain of the Poplars) and the monument to the stonemason, a reference to granite work.
The Mosque is an archaeological site with church remains and burials from different periods. Its name should not lead one to automatically identify the visible remains as an Islamic mosque. For an interpretive tour and access to the site, please consult the tourist office for tour options.
The Cristo del Humilladero Cooperative Winery offers tours and tastings by reservation. It's a way to learn about winemaking right here in the town.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Spend the morning exploring the town center: the church, the Casa de los Salvajes (House of the Savages), the fountains, and the exterior of the Villena Palace. If you've booked a visit to the Mosque-Cathedral, fit it into this itinerary. After lunch, you can round off your day with a visit to the palace grounds or a pre-booked winery experience.
For a weekend getaway, combine a day exploring heritage and wine with a day in the countryside. Peña Muñana is the most recognizable landmark; choose your route according to your experience and the terrain. If you prefer a longer hike, the El Encinar municipal trail allows you to plan an independent outing, provided you have ample time and a map.
Where to eat
EntreTinajas is the restaurant of Bodega Cristo del Humilladero, located on Extramuros Street, without a number, next to Avenida de la Constitución. Its menu combines tapas, larger portions, and meals with wines produced at the winery.
The winery offers experiences that combine a tour with tapas or a meal. Check which options are available on your date and book before you travel. The contact number is 918 640 063.
Routes and nature
Peña Muñana dominates the area around Cadalso and is a key landmark for understanding its landscape of rock and Mediterranean vegetation. A visit to the mountain should be planned with a well-researched route; not all access points or paths to the higher areas are suitable for every visitor.
The City Council describes the El Encinar route as a 17.7-kilometer circular route that links Cadalso with Cenicientos and returns along the foothills of Peña Muñana. The information sheet places the starting point on Avenida de la Constitución, on the road from Almorox to Cadalso.
It also publishes a circular route called Ruta de la Peña (Route of the Rock). Consult the complete information sheet and map before choosing it: its name alone does not imply a short climb to the summit. Check the current condition of paths and signage, and respect farmland and any existing restrictions.
How to get there and park
By car, you can reach Cadalso from the A-5 via Navalcarnero and the M-507. Another approach uses the M-501 and its connections towards Cadalso, depending on your starting point. Check the route and traffic advisories before your trip.
Intercity bus lines 545 and 546 serve the municipality from Madrid, with their terminus at Plaza Elíptica, according to information from the Regional Transport Consortium. Line 545 continues towards Cenicientos and Sotillo de la Adrada; line 546 connects with Rozas de Puerto Real and Casillas. Check the specific route, stop, and return time.
To park, use designated areas and pay attention to the signs in the town center. Traffic patterns may change during festivals; please check with the local authorities for updates.
Upcoming parties and plans
The patron saint festivities honor the Holy Christ of Humilladero in September. Traditional accounts place the celebrations between the 13th and 18th, with the participation of local social clubs; the program and its activities should be checked each year.
On Easter Monday, the Hornazo is celebrated, a traditional rural gathering in the threshing floors of Peña Muñana. During Carnival, the waving of the flag and the participation of the Brotherhood of the Holy Souls are highlights.
These dates describe the traditional schedule. A confirmed future schedule is not included.
Where to sleep
The rural guesthouse Los Níscalos offers room rentals at Calle de la Iglesia, 47, within the town center. Its website describes a renovated old stone building and lists the phone number 626 166 449 for contact.
Check availability, accommodation conditions, and any services you need directly. To combine accommodation with a winery visit or other activity, please confirm each booking separately.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Calle Real, 36. Its general telephone number is 918 640 002 and the postal code is 28640.
The tourist office is located in the Casa de los Salvajes, on Calle Real. It's the place to go for information on heritage sites and local routes and activities.
Before arranging a visit to the church or archaeological site, confirm access. For hiking in the mountains, check the weather forecast and any current warnings. If you require specific accessibility conditions, check each location before traveling. In case of emergency, call 112.