Towns and villages
Horcajo de la Sierra-Aoslos
Two mountain villages next to the Madarquillos River, amidst livestock heritage, old irrigation ditches and riverside paths.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Horcajo de la Sierra-Aoslos comprises two villages in the north of the Community of Madrid. The Madarquillos River, meadows, and oak groves define a landscape where farmyards, haylofts, and paths linked to livestock farming are still visible. Horcajo and Aoslos each have their own streets and charming corners that deserve a leisurely visit.
Horcajo is mentioned in the 14th-century Book of Hunting. Alongside its medieval church of San Pedro in Cathedra, the fountains and old agricultural buildings help to trace the village's evolution. Traditional life was also linked to the orchards irrigated by the Madarquillos River and the communal pastureland.
Aoslos already appears as a neighborhood of Horcajo in the 18th-century Ensenada Cadastre. Its nucleus is related to an old hermitage of Santiago, now disappeared; the church of San Isidro was built in 1936. The irrigation ditch, the trough, the forge and the horse-shoeing frame preserve signs of the agriculture and livestock care that shaped the town.
What to see and what to do
In Horcajo de la Sierra, visit the area around the Church of San Pedro in Cathedra and stroll among the fountains, the old schools, and the stone houses. Outside the town center, the bridges over the Madarquillos River are reminders of the paths that once connected the village with Aoslos and other towns in the mountains.
In Aoslos, stop at the Church of San Isidro and wander through the streets to the irrigation trough, the old forge, and the horse-shoeing frame. The stone clock that regulated irrigation shifts and the agricultural buildings allow you to imagine the daily work of another time. Check beforehand whether you can access the interiors of churches and other buildings.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start with the traditional features of Aoslos: the church, irrigation ditch, water trough, forge, and horse-riding frame. Continue to Horcajo to see the church, the fountains, and the old town center. If time allows, take a walk along the Madarquillos River and return to the village for lunch. Keep in mind that travel between the two villages is not a single, continuous urban area.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate another day to the Madarquillos Circular Route or the paths along the irrigation ditch and through the pastureland. The municipal tourist information also suggests an urban route through Horcajo and Aoslos, useful for connecting their points of interest. Check your chosen route before setting out.
Where to eat
In Aoslos, Bar La Plaza is located in the Plazuela square. In Horcajo de la Sierra, the municipal tourist information lists El Fogón de la Sierra, on Corral Fragua street, and the Los Cerezos restaurant, near exit 87 of the A-1 motorway. Check directly which establishments are open on the day of your visit and what their menu options are.
Routes and nature
The Madarquillos Circular Route offers a close look at the river and its riparian vegetation, where ash, alder, and willow trees grow alongside the oaks on the slopes. Walks along the irrigation channel and through the pastureland reveal a different landscape: meadows, remnants of traditional water uses, and grazing land. There are also local routes through Campadales and towards La Alberca and La Tejera.
The old bridge that once connected Horcajo with Aoslos is a key landmark for understanding the municipality's trails. Before setting out, check the updated route, its length, and the expected return time; the urban route and the rural paths require different plans.
How to get there and park
By road, Horcajo de la Sierra and Aoslos can be reached from the A-1 motorway; enter the specific village you wish to reach into your GPS. Los Cerezos is near exit 87, but both towns require continuing on local roads. Follow the parking signs and keep clear access to homes and properties.
To travel by bus from Madrid, line 191 departs from Plaza de Castilla towards Buitrago del Lozoya. Line 191B connects Buitrago with Horcajo and Aoslos on its way to Somosierra. Service and transfers vary depending on the day: consult the Regional Transport Consortium and check the outbound and return journeys separately.
Upcoming parties and plans
Aoslos maintains the traditional celebration of San Isidro, linked to May 15th and the patron saint of its church. In Horcajo de la Sierra, San Roque is a highlight of the August festivities. These traditions do not constitute a confirmed program for the next edition: please check the dates and events announced by the Town Hall before planning a trip to attend.
Where to sleep
The municipal tourist information includes the Hotel Los Cerezos and the El Rincón de la Trilla houses. Check the exact location, features, and availability directly before booking, especially if you plan to travel between Horcajo and Aoslos without a car.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de Pedro Uceda, 1, in Horcajo de la Sierra; its telephone number is 91 868 65 74. Aoslos is part of the same municipality, about 3.5 km from Horcajo according to the regional tourist information. The AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency) forecast uses a representative point in the capital, Horcajo, so the weather may vary in Aoslos and on the surrounding routes.