Towns and villages
Lozoyuela-Navas-Sieteiglesias: three towns, one municipality
From the old cattle trails to the medieval necropolis of Sieteiglesias, a journey through pastures, churches and paths of the Sierra Norte.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Lozoyuela-Navas-Sieteiglesias brings together three villages in the Sierra Norte region of Madrid, a landscape of meadows, pastures, and granite outcrops. Lozoyuela is home to the town hall and main services, while Navas de Buitrago and Sieteiglesias are more compact. The paths connecting them offer a glimpse into a landscape shaped over centuries by livestock farming.
All three sites were linked to the Tierra de Buitrago and the ancient Cuarto de Garganta. Medieval repopulation helps explain the development of Lozoyuela and Las Navas, while in Sieteiglesias, the necropolis of tombs carved into the rock testifies to an earlier occupation. From the 14th century onwards, the territory was linked to the lordship of the Mendoza family, and livestock farming left its mark on roads and buildings.
The passage of the historic road between Madrid and France benefited the inns and coaching inns of Lozoyuela in the 18th century. Today, the heritage is divided between the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, the Church of Santa Cruz in Las Navas, and the complex of San Pedro Apóstol and its medieval necropolis in Sieteiglesias. The three former villages have formed a single municipality since the 1970s.
What to see and what to do
In Lozoyuela, a stroll through the old town allows you to locate the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and trace the route of the ancient road that once supported inns and other services along the pilgrimage route. Las Navas de Buitrago's main landmark is the Church of Santa Cruz, located next to the town square, and features art installations integrated into the landscape.
Sieteiglesias boasts a unique heritage site: the Church of San Pedro Apóstol stands beside a medieval necropolis of tombs carved into the rock, declared a Site of Cultural Interest as an archaeological zone. Explore the surroundings with respect for the structures and check the visiting conditions before traveling if you wish to access specific areas.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Spend the morning in Lozoyuela: explore its historic center, visit the area around San Nicolás de Bari, and take advantage of the tourist office to choose a route that suits your available time. Afterward, head to Las Navas de Buitrago to see the Church of Santa Cruz and the art integrated into the landscape. Reserve the last part of the day for Sieteiglesias, its church, and the necropolis.
With a weekend, you can combine a visit to the three villages with a day trip through the meadows or the route between Lozoyuela and Sieteiglesias. Check the itinerary and bus connections beforehand if you don't have a car.
Where to eat
Lozoyuela offers several dining options: Casa Flores and Casa Manolo, both on Avenida de Madrid; El Serón on Travesía de las Navas; and El Rincón de Merche, also on Avenida de Madrid. In Las Navas de Buitrago, you'll find Bar Social Navas in Plaza de la Constitución. It's advisable to confirm their opening hours and reservation availability before planning your meal.
Routes and nature
The surrounding area combines meadows, pastures, traditional orchards, and granite outcrops. The Sierra Norte region of Madrid encompasses the Lozoyuela to Sieteiglesias route and the Camino de los Canteros (Stonemasons' Path), offering options for connecting the heritage of the villages with their landscape. There are also routes along old local paths and livestock trails.
Before setting out, check the route and its current condition, bring water, and adjust your itinerary to the time of year. The traditional names of some bridges or paths do not imply a verified archaeological date.
How to get there and park
Lozoyuela is located next to the A-1 highway; from there, local roads lead to Las Navas de Buitrago and Sieteiglesias. The Madrid Regional Transport Consortium includes intercity bus lines 191, 194, 194A, and 195 within the municipality, as well as other connections to Buitrago and nearby towns. Check the specific bus stop and service for each town on your travel date, especially if you need to combine journeys between the three. For parking, follow the local signs for each town.
Upcoming parties and plans
The three villages each have their own celebrations: Lozoyuela celebrates the Virgin of Solitude, Las Navas de Buitrago the Virgin of the Rosary, and Sieteiglesias Saint Blaise. These are highlights of local tradition; the dates, events, and activities for each celebration should be checked in the current municipal program. The cultural agenda and the tourist office's recommendations can enhance your visit at any time of year.
Where to sleep
The municipal directory lists the H&G hotel-restaurant, located next to the A-1 highway, and the Los Nogales rural guesthouse on Avenida de Madrid in Lozoyuela. In Sieteiglesias, it includes the Los Gemelos rural apartments on Calle Navas and the La Fragua rural guesthouse on Plaza de la Constitución. Check conditions and availability with each establishment before traveling.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1, in Lozoyuela; its telephone number is 91 869 45 61. The Tourist Office is located at Avenida de Madrid, 40, also in Lozoyuela, and can be reached at 91 869 42 79. The postal code for the Town Hall is 28752. For procedures, information on routes or activities, please confirm availability before visiting. Lozoyuela, Las Navas de Buitrago, and Sieteiglesias are all part of the same municipality.