Navalquejigo: History and Architecture

Navalquejigo Between Settlement History and Hiking Trail

Navalquejigo combines a long history of settlement with striking examples of historic architecture. The old, now-abandoned settlement was founded in the 13th century and remained a thriving settlement until the 19th century. This long period provides a clear thematic focus for planning your trip: the Iglesia de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz de Navalquejigo and the picota represent different forms of historic architecture, while a hiking route offers another regional perspective. When choosing where to stay, you can decide whether to focus mainly on architecture and history or include a longer hike as well.

Church Architecture with Older Origins

The Iglesia de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz de Navalquejigo belongs to the group of fortified repopulation churches in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The building has a single nave and a basilica-shaped floor plan. The higher, square chancel is accessed through a pointed arch. “Single nave” refers to a church with one nave; the basilica-shaped floor plan describes its overall form. The raised chancel and pointed arch provide further details about the building’s layout. The surviving structure can probably be dated largely to the late 15th century; it originated in the renovation of an older church. Both its earlier origins and its later building phase are therefore significant to understanding it.

The Picota on the Former Settlement Site

The Picota de Navalquejigo stands on the former site of the settlement. This granite monument has a two-tiered platform. A large ashlar block rises in the middle, supporting a round column. At the top, the column ends in a truncated-pyramid-shaped stone finial with a granite sphere. The picota may date from the second half of the 18th century. The two structures offer different points of interest: the church is notable for its floor plan, chancel and history of renovation, while the picota is described in terms of its material and the tiers of components. Together, they show the variety of historic architectural forms found in Navalquejigo.

Putting the Hiking Route and Access into Context

Las Siete Puertas is a linear, moderately difficult hiking route covering 9.5 kilometres. It connects the old settlement of Navalquejigo with El Escorial and passes through livestock-grazing dehesas. Its length, difficulty and route type are specific factors to consider when planning your hike. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Navalquejigo can be reached from Las Zorreras railway station via Calle Juan Hurtado de Mendoza. This route follows a cattle track and a former road to Guadarrama. If you include it in your plans, check the trail conditions before setting out. The access route and Las Siete Puertas are two different things: one describes the way from the station, while the other is a hiking route between the old settlement and El Escorial.

Festival and Patronage

Cultural connections are also part of Navalquejigo’s history. The settlement is associated with the San Roque festival; the main festival was moved to 15 August. The entire settlement is under the patronage of Nuestra Señora de los Arroyos. If this festival is relevant to your travel plans, check in advance whether a program is scheduled for your travel dates. This connects the historic focus of your stay with a specific timing consideration, without assuming that the festival is currently being held on a confirmed date.

For the wider travel overview: San Lorenzo De El Escorial.