Towns and villages
Piñuécar-Gandullas: two villages and a mountain history
Meadows, cattle trails, churches and the memory of water unite the villages of Piñuécar and Gandullas in the Middle Lozoya Valley.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Piñuécar-Gandullas comprises two villages separated by a few kilometers in the landscape of the Middle Lozoya Valley. Piñuécar stretches alongside the Cabeza de Piñuécar hill; Gandullas, nestled among orchards and meadows, overlooks the Madarquillos River. Cattle trails and stone walls crisscross a territory defined by livestock farming.
The founding date of the villages is not known with certainty. Historical municipal records list residents in both Piñuécar and Gandullas in 1554 and also mention former settlements, now uninhabited, such as Bellidas. The churches of San Simón, in Piñuécar, and Nuestra Señora de la Paz, in Gandullas, are landmarks of each village's heritage.
The horse-shoeing frame, the forge, the fountains, and the traditional watering stone of Gandullas are reminders of the trades and the traditional irrigation system. The landscape also holds remnants linked to the Spanish Civil War, which are interpreted through hiking trails that offer a glimpse into a more recent period of local history.
What to see and what to do
In Piñuécar, explore the area around the Church of San Simón and the streets that lead to the meadow paths. In Gandullas, visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Paz and see the forge, the horse-shoeing frame, the large fountain, and the water-sharing stone, which is related to the irrigation schedule. The walk between these two villages allows you to appreciate the stone boundaries and the agricultural and livestock-based character of the municipality. To extend your visit, local routes, accessible from the public road, show the remains of the abandoned village of Bellidas and the bell tower of Santo Domingo.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Spend the morning exploring Piñuécar, starting with San Simón and the surrounding hamlet, and reserve the afternoon for Gandullas, its church, and the features that evoke agricultural work and water distribution. For a longer day hike, choose the circular route to Bellidas and the bell tower of Santo Domingo, starting from Piñuécar. If you have a weekend, dedicate a second day to the Somosierra Front trail or a visit to Buitrago del Lozoya. Check current trail information and church access status before you travel.
Where to eat
The municipal tourist directory lists the Posada La Fragua de Gandullas as a dining option. It's advisable to confirm directly whether they serve meals on the day of your visit. Buitrago del Lozoya, a few kilometers away, offers other options to complete your day.
Routes and nature
The Bellidas and Santo Domingo bell tower route starts in Piñuécar and covers approximately 7.8 kilometers through meadows, Pyrenean oak groves, and ash trees. The Bellidas ruins are located on private property and can be seen from the path. The Carpetania Local Network also interprets the Somosierra Front, with Civil War remnants in the area around Piñuécar and Gandullas. Check the current route before starting any of these hikes. The livestock trails and the Madarquillos landscape offer other walking options without leaving the municipality.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, you can reach Buitrago del Lozoya via the A-1 motorway and local access roads. For public transport, the Regional Transport Consortium operates bus line 191 between Plaza de Castilla and Buitrago. From there, line 191B passes through Piñuécar, and line 191C serves Gandullas, depending on the route. Check the bus stop, connections, and timetable for the day before setting out. In each area, pay attention to parking signs and avoid blocking access to homes or properties.
Upcoming parties and plans
Piñuécar maintains religious celebrations linked to the Virgin of Candelas on February 2nd; the Virgin of the Rosary on October 7th; and Saint Simon on October 28th. Gandullas traditionally celebrates the Virgin of Peace on January 24th and Saint Anthony on June 13th. Local festivals are usually held on other dates: the Piñuécar Town Hall schedules those towards the end of June and those of Gandullas on the first weekend of July. Programs for each event require municipal confirmation.
Where to sleep
In Piñuécar, the accommodation options listed by tourist sources include the El Bulín de Piñuécar apartments, located at Calle de la Fragua 2, and the El Remolón rural guesthouse, located at Calle Carretera 29. The municipal directory also mentions the Hoja de Roble rural accommodation and a campsite. The Posada La Fragua is located in Gandullas. Please check directly with each establishment for terms and availability.
Practical information
The telephone number for the Piñuécar-Gandullas Town Hall is 91 868 05 04, and the municipal offices are located in the Plaza Mayor of Piñuécar. The AEMET code is 28114; its reference municipal coordinates point to the capital, Piñuécar, and not the village of Gandullas. Plan your journeys between the two villages separately and check the weather forecast and routes before starting your trip.