Discover Pedrezuela: Church, Vaquilla and Landscapes

During a stay in Pedrezuela, you can explore historical landmarks, the Fiesta de la Vaquilla, and opportunities for hiking or cycling along the Río Guadalix and at the Embalse de Pedrezuela. The town’s history includes the Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel Arcángel and the Carta Puebla, dated 1331. The Museo Agrícola y de Labranza complements these topics with ethnography and anthropology.

Church and Local History

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel Arcángel features architectural elements from the 16th century and combines late Gothic features with a Romanesque tower of Segovian origin. There are further specific architectural details at the entrance: it dates from the 17th century, and a sundial from 1685 stands beside it. The church thus offers glimpses of different periods, from the 16th century to the sundial.

The church is usually open for tourist visits on Saturday mornings. Guided tours can be arranged by telephone in advance. As visiting hours may change, check the visiting schedule before you arrive.

The Carta Puebla is a resettlement document dated 1331 and associated with the beginning of Pedrezuela as an autonomous concejo. This document is therefore a key part of the town’s history alongside its architectural landmarks. The Museo Agrícola y de Labranza is a museum of ethnography and anthropology that is open to the public. Check the visiting arrangements before your visit.

Casitos and Local Distinctive Features

Almost a hundred Casitos have been documented in Pedrezuela; the municipality is practically the only place in the Comunidad de Madrid with Casitos. One specific example is in Parque de la Casilla in the town center: in 1992, residents of the Hogar del Pensionista de Pedrezuela made a replica of a Casito there as a symbol of Pedrezuela. The residents’ role in creating it and its symbolic significance are part of this story, as is the distinctive prevalence of Casitos in the town.

Fiesta de la Vaquilla

The Fiesta de la Vaquilla takes place every year on January 20, together with the feast of San Sebastián. Participants include the 17-year-old Acompañantes and the 18-year-old Quintos. During the festival, the Gurramaches walk through Pedrezuela, ringing the bells worn at their waists; this is part of the initiation ritual. In 2011, the Comunidad de Madrid recognized the Fiesta de la Vaquilla as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional. The date and the age groups involved give the festival a clearly defined place in the annual calendar and local tradition.

Hiking, Cycling and Landscapes

The Río Guadalix and the Pedrezuela Reservoir are suitable for cycling or hiking. The Embalse de Pedrezuela covers an area of 415 ha and lies within the LIC/ZEC Cuenca del río Guadalix protected area. The area figure describes the size of the reservoir; its protected-area designation provides an additional natural reference point for planning.

The municipal route information dated November 28, 2025, lists the “Azud del Mesto” route as 13.5 km long; it passes through the Mesto area. An official route description from 2023 names the Cañón del Guadalix as a point along the Ruta 4 Estaciones. The information emphasizes different aspects: the “Azud del Mesto” route has a stated length, while a specific point along the way is named for the Ruta 4 Estaciones. When planning, you can use this information to decide whether the stated route length or the named landscape area is more relevant to you.

Discover more destinations: San Martín De Valdeiglesias, Cubas De La Sagra, Paracuellos De Jarama, Ajalvir, Carabaña, Estremera, Madrid, Pinto

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