Discover Getafe: History, Culture and Hotels

Explore Getafe through its architectural history, public events and scenic routes. Its varied points of interest include the Catedral de La Magdalena, the Hospitalillo de San José, the Teatro Auditorio Federico García Lorca and the Roman Villa of La Torrecilla. If you’re looking for a hotel in Getafe, first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: architecture and history, cultural events or a route through the landscape. This can help you explore the city according to your specific interests.

Architectural history and historic sites

The history of the Catedral de La Magdalena dates back to its predecessor. In 1549, the Mudéjar hermitage of Santa María Magdalena was demolished, and construction of the present cathedral began on its site. It was designed by the architect Alonso de Covarrubias. The site therefore brings together an earlier hermitage, the beginnings of the present church and the name of its architect.

The Hospitalillo de San José was founded in 1529. The two-storey building is arranged around a courtyard with a cloister. This description gives not only the date of its foundation but also a concrete sense of the building’s layout: its rooms are grouped around the courtyard, and the cloister is part of the complex. Public events organised by Getafe City Council take place at the Hospitalillo; the events vary.

The former Real Cárcel is also part of the city’s history. The former prison is now the Biblioteca Ricardo de la Vega. Its former functions were divided between the floors: the ground floor served as a prison, while the upper floor was used as a granary. The library’s current use and the building’s historic use are thus directly connected, though the two floors did not serve the same purpose.

The National Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the adjacent Ermita de la Virgen de los Ángeles stand on Cerro de los Ángeles. Tourist visits are offered there. Check the specific visiting arrangements before travelling if you’re planning a visit.

The Roman Villa of La Torrecilla is located in Perales del Río, Getafe. It is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of Archaeological Zone. The villa is arranged around a courtyard, or peristyle, and is one of the few examples of this type in the Comunidad de Madrid. Here, the term peristyle refers to the courtyard around which the complex is arranged; the architectural form and protected status give the site a clear archaeological focus.

Events and cultural programme

The Teatro Auditorio Federico García Lorca hosts theatre performances, musicals and other public events. The auditorium has 700 seats, distributed across the stalls, two balconies and two amphitheatres. The programme changes; check event dates if you’d like to plan a visit around a particular performance.

The theatre’s history is also linked to an earlier building: it was built on the site of a flour mill dating from 1920. After the mill ceased operations in 1950, it was acquired by Getafe City Council. For a look at Getafe’s cultural history, the venue’s current use for performances and the site’s industrial past come together here.

The cultural programme “Verano en el lago” takes place every summer in Parque de La Alhóndiga. The programme varies from year to year, so specific dates are important when planning. The park has lakes, an open-air stage, a special children’s area, outdoor sports facilities and walking paths. As individual facilities may change, check the current arrangements before visiting if a particular offering is important to your plans.

Landscape and getting around

The Arco Verde’s linear route RL4 connects the area around Soto de las Juntas with Perales del Río in Getafe. It passes through a landscape featuring gypsum cliffs, former Civil War trenches and the historic Canal del Manzanares. Along its route, the trail brings together landscape and history; these features also give you specific points to look out for along the way.

Getafe is served by Metro line 12, Metrosur. Check the current timetable for your journey.

Discover more destinations: San Agustín Del Guadalix, Colmenar Del Arroyo, El Boalo, Los Santos De La Humosa, Cercedilla, Rozas De Puerto Real, Navalcarnero, Horcajuelo De La Sierra.

For the main travel overview: Madrid.