Towns and villages
Valdeavero
A stately complex amidst cereal fields and the small plains of the Madrid countryside.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Valdeavero is located in the northeast of the Community of Madrid, near the border with Guadalajara. The countryside landscape includes farmland, valleys, and small watercourses such as the Camarmilla. In the TSM (Territorial Services of Madrid) area, it belongs to the Middle Jarama Basin publishing district.
Its name appears in a 1311 document related to the transfer of Alcolea to the nuns of Santa Clara in Guadalajara. Later, it came under the Archdiocese of Toledo, and in the 16th century, it passed to the jurisdiction of the Crown, achieving the status of a town. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, from that same century, preserves the heritage of that period.
The economic difficulties of the following centuries gave way to a history of landed gentry. The Marquis of Campoflorido held jurisdiction between 1715 and 1724; afterwards, the properties passed to the House of Medinaceli. The palace, its connection to the church, and the old dovecote allow us to observe how religious life, wealth, and local power shared the same space.
What to see and what to do
Begin at the Plaza del Palacio, where the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the old palace form the heart of the promenade. The church dates from the 16th century, and its tower was rebuilt in the 19th. If it's open, pay attention to the Chapel of the Rosary, its wrought-iron grille, and the images of Christ of the Sweat and Jesus of Nazareth.
The 18th-century palace of the Marquis of Campoflorido is notable for its coat of arms and corner towers. The gallery that once connected it to the church helps to understand the relationship between the two buildings. View the complex from the public spaces, without assuming access to the interior.
Complete the tour with the 18th-century, double-bodied dovecote and the Stork's Pinoche, a remnant of an old water supply system for the palace. These elements bring the visit closer to the daily life of the old estate.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Set aside the morning for the town center: start at the Plaza de la Constitución and continue towards the church and palace complex. Add the dovecote and the Pinoche de la Cigüeña (Stork's Pine Tree) to complete your exploration of the local heritage beyond the main facades.
After a break, spend the afternoon enjoying the countryside. Check the available public paths beforehand and choose a route that suits the time you have. The heritage walk can be done in the outdoor areas; entry to the church depends on its opening hours.
If you're planning a weekend trip, you can combine Valdeavero with Camarma de Esteruelas or Ribatejada. Please confirm your tours, meals, accommodation, and transportation needs separately.
Where to eat
Routes and nature
The open fields contrast with the strips of vegetation associated with the Camarmilla River. The municipality is part of the Special Protection Area for Birds – Cereal Steppes of the Jarama and Henares Rivers – an area of interest for birdwatching without approaching their breeding grounds.
The Ribatejada cattle track and the area around Cabeza Gorda are included in the 2016 cycling routes of the Mancomunidad (Association of Municipalities). These routes connect the Valdeavero landscape with the Torote Valley and neighboring towns. To plan your trip, check the current route and access points: a guidebook description does not guarantee the current condition of the paths.
Walk on public paths, respect crops, and keep your distance from birds. Bring water and adjust your outing to the weather and available daylight.
How to get there and park
The M-119 is the main access road from the Camarma de Esteruelas corridor towards Torrejón del Rey. Plan your entry into the town of Valdeavero based on your starting point.
By bus, line 255 connects Valdeavero with Camarma de Esteruelas and Alcalá de Henares. Line 256 offers trips from Madrid, departing from Canillejas, but some of its services terminate before reaching Valdeavero. Line 251 allows connections to the Torrejón de Ardoz and Alcalá de Henares corridor, depending on the trip.
Always check that your chosen service goes to the village and review the return trip: the timetables include partial routes and differences between weekdays and weekends. To park, follow the signs for the village center and keep entrances, walkways, and farm access roads clear.
Upcoming parties and plans
Saint Sebastian, patron saint of Valdeavero, is traditionally celebrated on the weekend following January 20th. The festivities combine religious ceremonies with sporting and cultural events.
The celebrations of the Holy Christ of the Sweat take place on September 13th and 14th; the popular events are organized on the nearest weekend. The tradition includes religious celebrations and cultural, recreational, and bullfighting activities.
These references correspond to the town's usual calendar. Full dates, times, and the program for each event must be confirmed in the town hall announcement.
Where to sleep
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1. Its telephone number is 918 864 462. You can find municipal information, activities, and conditions for visiting heritage sites there.
Before arranging a visit that includes the interior, confirm the church's opening hours and the accessibility of the other buildings. The exterior of the complex allows you to explore the town without needing a palace ticket.
If you are traveling by public transport, select the Valdeavero stop and the corresponding bus route; a line serving nearby towns does not mean that all its buses will reach Valdeavero. The coordinates shown correspond to the point within the municipal capital identified by AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency).