Towns and villages
Fresnedillas de la Oliva
The memory of the Apollo missions among stone houses, paintings and meadows.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Fresnedillas de la Oliva is located in the western part of the Community of Madrid, surrounded by holm oak groves, pastures, and livestock trails. The stone houses in the town center preserve traces of rural life, while the murals along the Living Houses Route offer a unique way to learn about the trades and history of the village.
Its past is linked to the Segovia region and its dependence on Robledo de Chavela. In 1740 it was granted the status of a town, and in 1769 it acquired its own jurisdiction. The 16th-century Church of San Bartolomé and the traditional buildings allow us to recognize different stages of this evolution.
In the 20th century, Fresnedillas added a unique chapter to its history: the space station that operated between 1967 and 1985 participated in the communications of the Apollo missions, including the 1969 moon landing. The Lunar Museum preserves the memory of that work and connects the visit to the municipality with the exploration of space.
What to see and what to do
The Lunar Museum is the main attraction for learning about Fresnedillas' involvement in space exploration. Its collection includes original equipment, photographs, and documents related to communications and the Apollo missions. Outside, you'll find antenna components and a model of the Saturn V rocket. Check opening hours and make reservations when applicable, especially for groups and educational activities.
The Casas Vivas (Living Houses) urban route features paintings by Elena Parlange on the doors and windows of houses in the old town. The scenes evoke the customs, trades, and stories of its inhabitants. The walk also allows visitors to admire the well-preserved stone architecture of the streets.
The 16th-century Church of San Bartolomé completes the historical tour. Please confirm your entry before visiting and respect any religious services.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a full day, start at the Lunar Museum with a planned visit. Afterward, explore the Casas Vivas (Living Houses) and the area around the Church of San Bartolomé. Allow time for lunch and to enjoy the town center without rushing through all the stops.
Over a weekend, dedicate another day to the countryside. The complete municipal circular route is around 27 kilometers and requires individual planning; consult the routes and return options if you're looking for a shorter outing. Confirm your accommodation before your trip and adapt your plan to the weather and the opening hours of the areas.
Where to eat
The municipal tourist directory lists Casa de Comidas Amador, at Calle Real, 57, and La Hostería, at Calle Real, 53. These are two references within the town center for organizing a stop at lunchtime.
La Cabezuela Garden, located at Camino de Navahonda, 12, is also listed; phone number 699 529 926. Check their menu, opening hours, and reservation information directly. If you require options for allergies or specific dietary needs, please confirm these with the establishment before visiting.
Routes and nature
The holm oak groves and pastures reflect Fresnedillas' livestock farming tradition. The Dehesa de Navalquejigo is one of the area's landmarks, where the trees and grasslands offer a glimpse into the rural landscape.
The Fresnedillas de la Oliva Circular Route is 26.93 kilometers long and starts in El Caño. The route follows local roads and livestock trails, with ascents, descents, and various viewpoints. It has a total elevation gain of 427 meters and several return points to the village.
Check the complete route and the current condition of roads and access points before setting out. The route includes sections near highways and crossings, so attention and preparation are required. The accessibility of all sections is not guaranteed, nor is access to the interior of properties or facilities of the former space station assumed.
How to get there and park
From the Valdemorillo area, one approach uses the M-510 towards Navalagamella and continues on the M-521. From Chapinería and Colmenar del Arroyo, access is via the M-532. Choose the route according to your origin and check traffic advisories.
The intercity bus line 645 connects Madrid, with its terminus at Moncloa, to Fresnedillas. Line 669A provides connections to the area around El Escorial and San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Check the stops, the destination of each trip, and the departure and return times for your chosen date.
The Lunar Museum has its entrance at Calle de los Caños, 2, and ramp access from Calle Apolo 11. For parking, please use designated areas and respect the signage in the historic center. Space availability and free parking are not guaranteed.
Upcoming parties and plans
The Fiesta de la Vaquilla is traditionally celebrated on January 20th, Saint Sebastian's Day. It is a celebration featuring characters, cowbells, and a reenactment of a heifer, all linked to the town's identity.
The San Bartolomé festivities are centered on August 24th. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is commemorated on September 14th, and the tradition of the Quintos, known as the day of the firewood, is observed on December 31st.
These dates describe the traditional schedule. Check the municipal program for each edition before planning a visit. Activities at the Lunar Museum should also be checked according to their schedule and booking conditions.
Where to sleep
Finca El Olivo de Fresnedillas offers the rural houses Casa Alta, Casa Baja and Casa de Piedra, at Camino de la Granja, 1. Its manager publishes the telephone numbers 629 348 228 and 918 989 048 for contact.
Check directly the capacity you need, the services included, and availability for your dates. Confirm booking conditions and access before finalizing your stay.
Practical information
The Tourist Office, whose phone number is 648 210 476, is located near the Lunar Museum, between Apolo 11 and de los Caños streets. It's a useful resource for planning visits and finding routes.
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1, and its telephone number is 918 989 009. The postal code is 28214.
To visit the museum, check the conditions applicable to individual visitors, groups, or educational activities. If you require specific accessibility, consult the complete route, in addition to the building access information. Check the weather forecast before heading out into the countryside and stay on designated trails. In case of emergency, call 112.