Towns and villages
Navalagamella
Molinos del Perales, squares with history and memory of the Civil War.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Navalagamella is located in the western part of the Community of Madrid, nestled between a town center with traditional squares and streets and the landscape of the Perales River. Holm oak groves, pastures, and farmland make up its surroundings. The remains of mills preserved along the river help to understand how water played a vital role in the local economy.
Medieval documents link the town to the Community of City and Land of Segovia and to the Sexmo of Casarrubios, into which it was integrated in 1302. The construction of the Monastery of El Escorial boosted the activity of its stonemasons and other trades. Navalagamella obtained the title of town in 1626 and became part of the province of Madrid in 1833. The Church of Our Lady of the Star, with phases from the 15th and 16th centuries, reflects this history.
The damage from the Civil War and the subsequent reconstruction left their mark on the town. Within the municipality, fortifications and the remains of the La Peña military camp, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2025, still stand. Studying them allows us to understand both the defensive organization and the daily lives of those who occupied these positions.
What to see and what to do
The Church of Our Lady of the Star is a major historical landmark. Its architecture combines Gothic elements with later modifications; the stone construction and the tower are particularly noteworthy on the exterior. Check access to the interior before visiting.
Explore Plaza de España to see the Clock Tower and the semicircular arch. The walk can continue through the streets of the old town towards the chapels of San José and Santo Cristo, which are linked to local religious traditions.
The Women in the Civil War Interpretation Centre offers a perspective on the role of women during the conflict. Check with the tourism office for opening hours and visiting conditions.
La Peña preserves vestiges of a rear-guard camp from the Spanish Civil War, with different areas designated for the troops and their services. Its protection as an Archaeological Zone recognizes the value of the site. Organize your visit with up-to-date information on access and conservation work; please respect the remains and the signs at the site.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start in the town center with the Church of La Estrella and Plaza de España. Include the Women in the Civil War Interpretation Center if its opening coincides with your itinerary. Allow time for lunch and to stroll through the nearby streets.
If you're looking for nature, dedicate another part of the day to a pre-chosen route along the Perales River. The mill route requires checking its layout, distance, and river conditions before adding it to your plan.
Over a weekend, combine a city tour with an excursion to the surrounding area and an organized visit to Civil War heritage sites. Confirm your accommodation and tours before your trip.
Where to eat
The municipal directory lists La Parada, a restaurant and pizzeria at Avenida de la Constitución, 31, with the telephone number 652 422 441. At Plaza Dos de Mayo, 3, there is the brewery and restaurant El Pasadero, with the number 628 840 633.
Nava Restobar & Café is located at Plaza de España, 11, and can be reached at 919 488 743. These are useful contact details for planning a visit within the city center. Please confirm the menu, opening hours, and reservations directly; also, please inform them of any dietary requirements before arriving.
Routes and nature
The Perales River Mills Route connects landscape and hydraulic heritage. Part of the route follows the Cañada Real Leonesa Oriental (Eastern Leonese Royal Cattle Trail) and approaches the remains of watermills that used water to transform grain into flour.
The surrounding area combines Mediterranean woodland, pastures, and vegetation associated with waterways. There are also municipal trails related to the Pasadero and Las Tejoneras bridges, the reservoir, and the fortifications.
Consult the guides and complete routes before choosing a route. Check the condition of paths, water crossings, and access points, especially after rain or when warnings are in place. The passability of each section is not guaranteed, nor is permission to enter private properties assumed. Avoid disturbing the remains of mills and fortifications.
How to get there and park
The M-510 is one of the main access roads to Navalagamella, connecting the town with Valdemorillo and Colmenar del Arroyo. From the Quijorna and Fresnedillas de la Oliva area, you can also access Navalagamella via the M-521. Check the route based on your starting point and any traffic updates.
The intercity bus line 642 connects Madrid, with its terminus at Moncloa, to Navalagamella on its route to Colmenar del Arroyo. Check the services and stops for your date, both outbound and return.
Within the town limits, use designated areas and pay attention to signage. For excursions or visits to La Peña, check the starting point and access conditions beforehand; specific parking spaces and availability are not guaranteed.
Upcoming parties and plans
Saint Michael the Archangel is celebrated on May 8th. The tradition includes the transfer of his image from his hermitage during the Easter season and a subsequent pilgrimage. The celebrations for Our Lady of the Star take place on September 8th.
Children's Day, on January 1st, is part of a cycle of traditions between the end of December and the first days of the year. It includes the burning of a bonfire by young people and traditional dances. The Pelele (a straw effigy) is linked to Ash Wednesday, and Angel's Day to the first Sunday of March.
These references describe local traditions. Dates and activities for each program should be verified in the municipal announcements; a future edition is not presented as confirmed.
Where to sleep
La Aldaba offers rural accommodations at Calle La Cuesta, 6. Its owner describes six apartments and publishes the phone numbers 649 454 598 and 649 454 599 for information and reservations.
Check availability, capacity, and the services you need directly. If you require accessibility modifications, confirm the specific apartment's features before booking.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de España, 1, and its telephone number is 918 988 008. The postal code for Navalagamella is 28212.
The tourism office can be reached at 672 061 676 to arrange visits and inquire about local heritage. Use this number to check the opening hours of the Women in the Civil War Interpretation Center and the conditions for visiting La Peña.
For routes, check the weather forecast, the route itself, and any current warnings. If you require specific accessibility features, inquire about each location and route. In case of emergency, call 112.