Towns and villages
Gascons: stone, meadows and paths of the middle valley
A mountain village near Buitrago where the church of Santo Tomás, the waterwheel and the horse-shoeing frame recall its livestock past.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Gascones is located in the middle Lozoya Valley, near Buitrago and at the foot of the mountains that separate Madrid from Segovia. The landscape combines meadows, oak groves, pine forests, and old cattle trails; its houses and barns preserve traces of the area's rural life.
During the Middle Ages, several settlements arose in this territory. The town council documents the coexistence of three villages during the 16th century, while Gascones was part of the Tierra de Buitrago. Livestock farming, especially sheep, was a primary activity, complemented by crops for local consumption.
The 17th-century Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle, restored after the damage it sustained during the Civil War, stands at the heart of the village. The waterwheel and the horse-shoeing frame complete the picture of daily life. Today, Gascones offers a unique blend of heritage and open landscapes within the valley.
What to see and what to do
Explore the heart of Gascones, paying attention to the stone houses, the old rural buildings, and the parish church of Santo Tomás Apóstol. The church was built in the 17th century and restored after the Spanish Civil War. The waterwheel and the horse-shoeing frame are other examples of the village's heritage linked to water, working animals, and traditional trades. In Plaza del Ángel, there is a contemporary mural dedicated to the memory and strength of rural women. The town hall provides interpretive materials about the local history, architecture, and natural environment.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Begin with a leisurely stroll through the Church of Santo Tomás and the charming rural village center. Afterward, choose one of the paths connecting Gascones with neighboring villages to admire the mosaic of meadows and oak groves. You can book lunch at the local restaurant and round off the afternoon with a visit to nearby Buitrago del Lozoya. If you have a weekend, dedicate one day to Gascones and another to exploring the middle valley along its marked trails.
Where to eat
Arandinos Peña Collaspino is a grill restaurant located at Calle Real, 3. Their menu focuses on wood-fired oven and grilled meats. Check their opening hours and reservation availability before you go.
Routes and nature
The area around Gascones is a network of paths winding through meadows, oak groves, and pine forests. One way to explore several villages is the circular route through the Middle Lozoya Valley, starting in La Serna del Monte, passing through Gascones and Braojos, and returning to the starting point. The town council also provides a brochure of local trails to help you choose a specific route. Check the route and conditions before setting out, and be sure to respect the paths and livestock grazing areas.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, take the A-1, exit 76, then follow the M-634 and M-636 towards Gascones. By bus, the Regional Transport Consortium's line 191A connects Buitrago del Lozoya with Gascones and Braojos; from Plaza de Castilla, line 191 goes to Buitrago, where you can connect with the 191A. Check the schedules for both routes for your date of visit. To park in the town center, follow the local signs and keep access roads and narrow streets clear.
Upcoming parties and plans
Gascones traditionally celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary. The devotional date is October 7th, with a procession and a community gathering; the town council also organizes summer festivities in her honor. The activities and dates for each year depend on the official program announced that year.
Where to sleep
La Casona de Gascones is one of the rural accommodations in the town, located at Calle Carlos Ruiz, 8. It has several apartments in the same complex and is also geared towards group stays. Check its conditions and availability directly before planning your stay.
Practical information
The Gascones Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1; its telephone number is 91 868 05 72. There you can request information about the town and its brochures on heritage and hiking trails. The postal code is 28737; the AEMET municipal code used for weather forecasting is 28064.