Navacerrada, people and nature in centuries-old harmony

Navacerrada

Navacerrada lies 52 km from Madrid and covers an area of 32 km². The village is located within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, with much of its municipal area surrounded by some of the highest and most iconic peaks of the Central System. This privileged setting gives Navacerrada a mountain climate and makes it an especially attractive destination throughout the year.

History

The origins of Navacerrada are linked to a small natural hollow or plateau that was repopulated by Segovian shepherds after the Reconquista. From that moment on, Madrid and Segovia became embroiled in a territorial dispute that would last over three centuries, centred on control of the lands of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

One of the monarchs who attempted to settle the conflict was Alfonso X “El Sabio”, who took possession of several villages in the area—including Navacerrada—and grouped them under the name El Real de Manzanares. Originally, the Real and County of Manzanares consisted of one main town (Manzanares el Real) and 19 smaller settlements, among which Navacerrada already appeared. Disputes continued until 1436, when the territory was granted to the Mendoza family, specifically to the Marquis of Santillana, with the title of county.

Close to the plateau on which Navacerrada stands was a mountain pass—today’s Puerto de Navacerrada—which marked the boundary between the provinces of Madrid and Segovia. In the 13th century, it was known as Puerto de Manzanaresantes. At that time, there was only a small medieval lodging house (alberquería), whose inhabitants received privileges from Alfonso X in exchange for guarding a pass at nearly 1,900 metres above sea level, where heavy snowfall made crossing difficult for travellers. In the 16th century, the pass took the name Puerto de Navacerrada, after the nearby village, and shortly afterwards fell into disuse.

During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Navacerrada’s population followed a similar pattern to other villages of El Real de Manzanares. The 17th century brought a serious demographic decline, from which the village did not fully recover until the late 20th century. However, the 18th century saw a modest revival: 92 inhabitants in 1713, rising to 242 by 1768, largely thanks to increased subsistence opportunities linked to public works promoted by the Crown. In 1635, Philip V granted Navacerrada the title of Villa.

According to the Cadastre of the Marqués de la Ensenada, the main livelihoods were agriculture, livestock farming and forestry. There were 60 households. By the early 19th century, the population had grown to 120, and by the end of that century to 302. Traditional activities continued, complemented by a thriving dairy industry. The first industrial activity in the Barranca Valley also dates from this period: the ice industry, which supplied Madrid.

Navacerrada benefited greatly from the growing interest of Madrid’s population in nature, health and outdoor recreation. Its main development came in the 20th century, especially after skiing began in the Sierra de Guadarrama in 1904, prompting the construction of buildings linked to winter sports. The Cercedilla–Puerto de Navacerrada railway was built between 1919 and 1923, coinciding with the construction of the Royal Guadarrama Sanatorium. In 1921, the village had 238 inhabitants.

After the Spanish Civil War, Navacerrada consolidated its role as a summer and winter resort, with new residential areas developing around the historic centre. The population and visitor numbers increased significantly, particularly during the ski season and holiday periods.

Culture

Navacerrada is a delight for lovers of heritage. Its urban layout, with cobbled streets and buildings harmoniously integrated into the landscape, together with its examples of religious and civil architecture, make the village ideal for slow exploration and discovery.

Hermitage of San Antonio

Located in the Dehesa de la Golondrina, this stone-built hermitage was erected in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua. It features a porch with a lintelled entrance and has been refurbished externally. Every 13 June, it is the destination of the traditional pilgrimage held by local residents.

Plaza de los Ángeles

One of Navacerrada’s most emblematic spaces, home to both the Town Hall and the Fountain of the Angels. The stone fountain consists of four square basins surrounding a central vertical structure from which water flows through four angel-decorated spouts, crowned by an ornate lamp reminiscent of palace décor.

Church of the Nativity of Our Lady

Plaza de la Iglesia, s/n
Built in the 16th century using rubble masonry and ashlar stone, and restored in the 18th and 20th centuries. It is a single-nave church with a flat chancel and a three-tiered tower topped by a bell chamber. Inside stand out the 16th-century granite baptismal font, the wooden choir supported by granite columns, and the Baroque vaulting.

Fountains

Water is a defining feature of Navacerrada. More than a dozen historic stone fountains dot the village, fed by springs from melting snow. Notable examples include the Canaleja Fountain, San Antonio Fountain, and Fountain of the Angels.

Festivals and traditions

Navacerrada’s two most deeply rooted celebrations are San Antonio de Padua (13 June) and Our Lady of the Nativity (8 September), both attracting numerous visitors.

• San Antonio de Padua: After enjoying traditional aniseed doughnuts, locals process to the hermitage, followed by log-cutting contests, games, horse-breaking displays and a communal meal of potatoes with ribs and lemonade
• Our Lady of the Nativity: Celebrated over several days as the village’s patron saint festivities, including themed days (Children, Women, Seniors), bull runs, concerts, sports events, religious ceremonies and lively street life.

Nature

Set in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Navacerrada boasts outstanding natural value. Vegetation includes oak woods, Scots pine forests, and undergrowth of rockrose, lavender and bramble, with poplars, ashes and elms along watercourses. Wildlife is equally diverse, with wild boar, foxes, roe deer, squirrels, numerous bird species (from songbirds to birds of prey), as well as reptiles, amphibians and insects.

The municipality offers rural accommodation and a wide network of hiking trails.

La Barranca Recreational Area

M-607 road
Located in the heart of the National Park, with drinking water, picnic tables, bins and parking, surrounded by pine forests and mountain scrub.

Dehesa de la Golondrina

M-601 Road

A traditional grazing area with paths leading to five natural springs, the Hermitage of San Antonio and its viewpoint.

Navacerrada Reservoir

In service since 1969, it covers 93 hectares and can store up to 11 hm³ of water. The dam rises 47 metres and contributes to a rich aquatic ecosystem.

Hermitage of San Antonio Viewpoint

Panoramic views of the western Sierra, including La Maliciosa, La Pedriza and surrounding ranges

Navacerrada Dam Viewpoint

Overlooking the reservoir and the mountainous skyline, accessible from several routes.