Discover San Fernando De Henares

Explore San Fernando De Henares through several specific interests: historic squares and buildings, archaeological evidence, and nature and hiking opportunities. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these themes can help you decide what to focus on. The city’s cultural history can be seen in its squares and at the Museo de la Ciudad; around Caserío de Henares, the focus is on riparian woodland, agriculture and environmental education. When planning, it is also worth distinguishing between available hiking resources and a connection that is still planned.

Squares, architecture and city history

Plaza de España is laid out as a square. The main façade of the former Real Fábrica de Paños stands on one side; houses dating from the mid-18th century line the edge of the square. The surviving façade of the former factory is incorporated into the restored town hall building. This brings a former production site, historic homes and the present-day town hall building together in the same square.

Plaza de Fernando VI is also part of the old town centre. In its middle stands a statue that Queen Isabella II gave to the city in 1844 from the Palacio Real de Madrid. The Museo de la Ciudad is housed in buildings at Plaza de España No. 16 and Calle Coslada No. 13: a residential building from the 18th century for workers at the Real Fábrica, and a granary built in the 19th century. Both buildings are listed in the catalogue of protected properties. They are also located in an area designated as a Conjunto Histórico Artístico, which today has the status of a Bien de Interés Cultural.

The Museo de la Ciudad is a permanent museum and centre for sharing the city’s historic and current heritage. Its offerings include exhibitions, educational activities, research and publications.

Archaeology and historic buildings

The Camino de las Yeseras archaeological site was an important settlement during the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age. It was inhabited for almost 3,000 years, between 4500 and 1700 BCE. The funerary symbolism of its individual and collective burials is also remarkable. The long period of occupation and the different burial practices give this site a distinctive archaeological focus.

With its four defensive towers, the Palacio de Aldovea still recalls a medieval fortress. In the 18th century, architect Virgilio Rabaglio transformed it into a country palace. The palace is now privately owned; take this status into account when planning a visit.

Nature and environmental education

The Finca Caserío de Henares covers 194 hectares in the valley of the Río Henares. Activities focused on riparian woodland and practical agriculture can take place on the grounds. The Caserío de Henares Environmental Education Centre is in San Fernando De Henares, within a nature reserve area of the Parque Regional del Sureste. Guided trails through the nature reserve area are available with advance reservation. The grounds also include educational trails along the banks of the Río Henares.

The permanent exhibition “Descubre Caserío” explains the different ecosystems of Caserío de Henares. It uses natural objects collected on the grounds as well as panels about the relationship between the environment and its inhabitants. Admission to the exhibition is free, and it is suitable for all visitor groups. The protected wetlands of Lagunas de Cerro Gordo are also in San Fernando De Henares and are part of the Parque Regional del Sureste.

Green trails and events

Paseo de los Chopos is one of the city’s historic green routes and is used for exercise and enjoying nature. The “Rutas Verdes” hiking routes for San Fernando De Henares are available to download. These are distinct from the Arco Verde environmental project, which proposes a new walking and cycling route connecting San Fernando De Henares with Mejorada del Campo and Torrejón de Ardoz through the Parque Regional del Sureste. This connection is described as a planned route.

Cultural events during the Fiestas Patronales include outdoor activities, concerts, fairground attractions and food stalls. Check the dates when planning a specific trip. A traditional festival is also held on the feast day of Saint Blaise, with traditional games, workshops and a competition at Paseo de los Chopos. The focus of a stay can therefore vary between city history, archaeology, nature and events.

Discover more destinations: Puebla de la Sierra, La Serna Del Monte, Villa Del Prado, Brunete, Chinchon, Humanes De Madrid, Robledo De Chavela, Villanueva De La Cañada

For the broader travel overview: Madrid.