Towns and villages
Quijorna: ovens, roads and memory of the landscape
The church of San Juan Evangelista, the remains of old ovens and the livestock trails allow you to discover a town linked to traditional trades and the history of western Madrid.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Quijorna is located west of Madrid, between the towns of Brunete, Villanueva de la Cañada, Valdemorillo, and Navalagamella. Holm oak groves, scrubland, and riverside vegetation characterize the landscape. The town center can be explored as a starting point for a trip that combines heritage sites and rural trails.
Its history is linked to lime production and the transport of this material to the construction site of the El Escorial monastery. The remains of kilns are a reminder of those trades. The Church of San Juan Evangelista, located in the upper part of the town, preserves an apse with a ribbed vault that helps to identify earlier phases of the church, although its origin is not entirely certain.
In July 1937, Quijorna suffered the fighting and bombings of the Battle of Brunete. The church and the town itself reflect the transformations that followed the conflict, while the fortifications preserved within the municipality offer a glimpse into that history. A visit here completes the understanding of a landscape where livestock trails, traditional work, and recent history intertwine.
What to see and what to do
Begin in the church square and admire the Church of San Juan Evangelista, with its tower and elevated position overlooking the town. To visit the interior, confirm opening hours with the parish and respect any services.
In the gardens below the church, next to the Plaza del Doctor Santos Muñoz Burón, a boundary marker related to a former royal hunting reserve is preserved. This detail offers a glimpse into the historical uses of the land.
The surrounding kilns add to the heritage linked to old production processes. Prepare your visit with municipal information. The cross-shaped fort located next to the M-522 is another historical landmark; check authorized access before approaching.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start with the town center and the exterior of the church. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon hiking a section of country lane back to the starting point, or plan a specific outing to explore the kilns. Locate the route and its access points before leaving the village.
For a weekend getaway, consider combining a stroll through the town with a longer walk along the livestock trails. The Town Hall describes a 19.4-kilometer route that starts and ends in Quijorna; due to its length, it's advisable to dedicate a full day to it.
If you prefer to combine towns, add Brunete or Valdemorillo in a separate time slot, checking travel times. Visiting forts or the remains of kilns requires more preparation than a stroll through the town center: don't fit it into too short a time frame.
Where to eat
El Águila restaurant is located at Calle Real, 50. Its menu features Madrid-style stew, wood-fired roasts, and grilled meats. The contact number is 91 816 82 82.
Ask about the days they serve stew and whether roasts need to be ordered in advance. Confirm the menu, prices, and table reservation for your date. If you have allergies or require dietary adjustments, check directly with the restaurant.
Routes and nature
The Town Hall describes a 19.4-kilometer route that connects Quijorna with the Cañada Real Leonesa (Royal Cattle Trail) using the Segoviana trail. It returns to the town, but a significant portion of the route is repeated on both the outward and return journeys. Consult the map and calculate the effort required for the entire distance.
Another municipal route begins in Brunete, reaches Quijorna via the Vereda de los Morales and the Cañada Real Segoviana, and returns along the Brunete road. The published route is 14.2 kilometers long and is a closed loop. Its starting point is in Brunete, so you should plan your transportation accordingly if you choose this route.
To explore the immediate surroundings, you can plan a route towards La Cepilla along the Cañada Real Segoviana or the Valdemorillo road, which passes through the area of the kilns. Decide in advance how far you will walk and factor in the return trip.
Before setting out, check the route, current warnings, and the weather forecast. Confirm permitted crossings, respect livestock farming practices, and avoid taking water, shade, or transportation for granted at the end of the hike.
How to get there and park
The intercity bus line 581 connects Madrid, from Cuatro Vientos, with Brunete and Quijorna. Check the route, the stop you need, and the timetables for both directions with the Transport Consortium. Also, check the operator's notices for any route changes.
By car, plan your arrival at the town center or the specific point of interest. The M-522 fort and the surrounding kilns require different access routes than the town center; locate the correct route before setting out.
For parking, use only authorized areas and follow local signs. During festivals, there may be restrictions on streets and squares. If you plan to walk along livestock trails, check where you can leave your vehicle without blocking paths, farm access, or livestock crossings.
Upcoming parties and plans
The patron saint festivities of Our Lady of the Pillar are traditionally held on October 12th. The celebrations include religious services, music, sporting activities, and cultural events.
The local calendar also includes Saint Sebastian's Day on January 20th; Saint Isidore's Day on May 15th; and Saint John the Evangelist's Day on December 27th. Traditional celebrations such as the ringing of cowbells, the running of the heifers, and traditional music are part of the customs associated with Saint Sebastian's Day.
These dates describe the usual schedule. For a specific visit, consult the relevant municipal program and mobility notices. Confirm schedules, participation requirements, and any special services separately.
Where to sleep
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Iglesia, 1. Its telephone number is 91 816 81 08. You can request information on municipal services, access to heritage sites and activities.
To enter the church, confirm its opening with the parish beforehand. For the kilns and forts, plan your route and check permitted access points. Do not interpret the existence of a historical remnant as authorization to enter.
Before setting out on your walk, check the AEMET weather forecast for Quijorna and calculate the total distance, including the return trip. If you're relying on the bus, check the return timetable before you begin. For accessibility needs, ask for directions to the bus stop and the route between the bus stop, the town center, and your desired destination.