Alpedrete

Alpedrete is located on the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, covering a municipal area of 12.6 km². Its landscape is predominantly flat, yet surrounded by mountains. The town borders Collado Mediano to the north, Galapagar to the south, Collado Villalba to the east and Guadarrama to the west, and offers direct access to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

The municipality enjoys a continental climate with mountain influences, as well as a notable presence of groundwater.

History

The earliest human settlements in Alpedrete date back around 4,000 years, as evidenced by the megalithic remains found within the municipality. These include a documented dolmen, two polished stone axes, a flint knife and arrowhead, a small dagger, and fragments of both plain and decorated pottery. Remains from the Roman period have also been found, although in smaller numbers.

Like many other towns in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Alpedrete was affected by the territorial disputes between Madrid and Segovia and became part of El Real de Manzanares. In 1630, it was granted the status of a town (villa). Until 1840, it was considered a district of Collado Villalba, governed by a local deputy mayor.

The ceremony marking Alpedrete’s municipal independence was a solemn event. It included the public reading of the decree, the presentation of the staff of office to the town’s first mayor, Basilio Montalvo, and symbolic acts such as the closing and opening of doors and the formal expulsion of those present from the Town Hall, assisted by the councillors. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Te Deum, accompanied by organ music, in the parish church.

The first population census of Alpedrete was carried out by Tomás González in 1591, recording 36 families—35 of them percheros (commoners)—and one clergyman. Later documents state that the town consisted of 36 households, totalling 168 inhabitants.

The main traditional occupations were agriculture (especially cereal farming), livestock breeding—supported by extensive pastures—charcoal production and stonemasonry. The latter had a particularly significant impact, as stone from Alpedrete was used in major constructions such as the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid’s Royal Palace, the Nuevos Ministerios complex and the Valley of the Fallen, among others. Some authors even link this activity to the origin of the town’s name.

These activities shaped the town’s urban development, characterised by irregular blocks of rural buildings and agricultural outbuildings. Over time, mixed urban–rural dwellings were added, and from the second half of the 20th century onwards, second homes became increasingly common. This growth, together with the development of tourism, boosted the service sector to cater for visitors.

Alpedrete was one of the first towns in the Sierra of Madrid to attract summer holidaymakers. Today, the population increases significantly during weekends, public holidays and holiday periods, sometimes tripling in size.

Both residents and visitors now enjoy a town that has preserved its traditional spirit while successfully adapting to modern times.

Culture

Alpedrete is home to one of the most beautiful and surprising architectural ensembles in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Town Hall and the Church of the Assumption are the town’s most significant artistic landmarks.

Church of the Assumption

One of the most striking features of the Church of the Assumption is its fortress-like appearance. It features a carved parapet at the level of the bell gable, with access to the interior through a Romanesque arched doorway.

The stone apse, decorated with spherical motifs, and the Mudejar wooden coffered ceiling are of particular artistic value. Another notable element is the stone spiral staircase, which leads to the bell tower and choir.

The church consists of a single nave divided into four bays. It was built with ashlar stone at the end of the 15th century, with later renovations using masonry carried out in the 20th century. It is considered one of the architectural jewels of the Sierra de Guadarrama and its surroundings.

Town Hall

The Town Hall was built in 1959, based on a design by José María de la Vega, during the mayoralty of Vicente Guillén Zamorano. It follows an Escorial-style architectural design, with its most distinctive features being the main façade balcony and staircases.

Located in Plaza de la Villa, it forms an elegant architectural ensemble together with the Church of the Assumption, set against the backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Festivals and traditions

Alpedrete has successfully preserved the spirit of its traditions, sharing them with new generations and the many visitors who come to the town.

Bullfighting events, music, traditional stews and religious devotion all play a role in local festivities. Cultural activities are also organised to make summer evenings in Alpedrete even more enjoyable.

• Festivities of Saint Quiteria (22 May)
  Numerous events are organised for all audiences. One of the most significant expressions of devotion takes place on the eve of the feast day, when the town walks to the Hermitage of Saint Quiteria—where the Virgin remains throughout the year—to escort her image back to the parish church. Bullfighting events and the traditional caldereta stew, prepared using meat from the bulls, are especially popular with locals and visitors alike.

   

• Festivities of Our Lady of the Assumption (15 August)
  The main feast day of the town’s parish church patron saint. Religious services and a procession are accompanied by concerts, children’s activities and fireworks, all set in the surroundings of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

   

• Festivities of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July)
  Celebrated in the Los Negrales district, with religious ceremonies and events for all ages.

Nature

The impressive mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama surrounding Alpedrete give the area its distinctive climate and vegetation. Notable features include grasslands, oak trees and scrubland, as well as the characteristic granite terrain and rocky outcrops (berrocales).

The most common animal species in the area include mammals, birds of prey, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles.

One of Alpedrete’s natural treasures is its holm oak dehesa, a wonderful place for a walk. Within this area are several abandoned quarries, which today provide an important habitat for different species of amphibians.