If you’re planning a visit to the Madrid region of Spain in the upcoming months you should really consider adding a tour of Navalcarnero to your trip’s itinerary. Located approximately 31 kilometers (19 Miles) from Madrid, Navalcarnero is a municipality and a member city of the Autonomous Community of Madrid. A small town by any standard, it has a total area of 100 square kilometers (38 square miles), an elevation of 670 meters (2,200 feet) above sea level and a population of 23,115, as of the last census. Despite its small size, Navalcarnero offers a wealth of interesting sights and attractions to visit that are unique to the city’s history and culture.
History of Navalcarnero
In an effort to quell some of the conflicts in the area, the location now known as Navalcarnero was founded in 1499 by the city of Segovia. The first Mayor of Navalcarnero was elected on October 10th of that same year from the six residents of Perales that founded the village.
Navalcarnero remained under the jurisdiction of Segovia for 128 years, until 1627, during which it was attacked repeatedly and burned several times by nearby settlements. The city held a lawsuit that spanned 93 years against the Marquisate of Moya who wanted to obtain the Marimartin meadows in the region, and protected the remainder of the municipality from don Gonzalo Chacon and his descendants for 118 years, until 1617.
Navalcarnero was finally granted its independence in 1627 by the Spanish Crown. However, it kept the Segovian coat of arms as part of its own.
Sites and Points of Interest
Navalcarnero boasts a number of important sites and major points of interest, including two historical churches: the Iglesia Parroquial de la Inmaculada Concepción (Church of the Immaculate Conception), a 16th century church that was declared a “Cultural Point of Interest” in 1983; and the Parish Church of Our Lady of Assumption, also a 16th century church that combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture. The Baroque spire that sits atop the Parish Church of Our Lady of Assumption can be seen for miles beyond the town, and in its square there is a monument to Jesus Casas, an artist whose works depict local traditions.
If natural settings are more to your liking, head to the Historic Park of San Sebastian, located in the old quarter of Navalcarnero on a site that once played host to a hermitage. This green space features picturesque walking paths, lawns and benches, as well as sculptures of famous people, such as Isabel the Catholic, who together with King Ferdinand ruled the country when Navalcarnero was founded. During the summer months, the park becomes a popular gathering place for locals, and its outdoor amphitheatre hosts a number of fun events.
The Navalcarnero Wine Museum is another popular attraction in town, housed in a wine cellar that was built roughly 300 years ago when vaults were excavated by hand. Visitors to the museum are introduced to the various stages of the wine-making process and can check out the agricultural tools used in the growing and harvesting of the grapes.
Entertainment in Navalcarnero is found mostly in the Plaza del Treato, home to the city’s Municipal Theater, a venue for music, dance, drama, and film, including the annual Comedy Film Festival. Nearby in the plaza are other interesting sites, including a Cultural Center, where visitors can learn about the history of the town; and a beautifully detailed monument, dedicated to the Festival of Corralling Bulls.
