Gothic architectural history, a tradition celebrated in early May and underground wine cellars give El Molar a varied character. Add landscapes along the Jarama and designated walking and cycling routes. You can tailor your stay to what interests you most: cultural heritage, local wine culture or routes through the surrounding area.

Churches, Architectural History and Tradition

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora was built in the 15th century as a single-nave Gothic temple. Several building phases in the 16th century transformed it into a three-nave church, and a Renaissance portico gallery was added. In 2017, the church was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), a site of cultural interest. Its architectural history thus combines an original Gothic form with later extensions and a Renaissance feature.

The chapels also reflect different aspects of the local heritage. The Ermita de la Soledad is of Gothic origin and is considered the oldest chapel in the municipality. The Ermita de Ntra. Sra. del Remolino is located in the Jarama floodplain. Built in the Neo-Mudéjar style using brick and masonry, it houses the image of the Virgen del Remolino, the patron saint and perpetual mayor of El Molar.

Another tradition shapes the events calendar: the Fiesta de las Mayas is celebrated in early May, dates back to the 16th century and is recognised as both a living tradition and a BIC. During the celebration, altars decorated with flowers and branches are set up at the town hall. In their centre is the Maya’s seat; women from the local association distribute bread, sweets and wine. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in advance.

Wine Culture and Caves

The Bodegas y Cuevas de El Molar comprise underground passages where wine from El Molar is produced and stored. They are considered one of the few surviving examples of their kind in the Madrid region. Over the years, a food and drink scene has developed around the Bodegas de La Torreta, including grilled meats and natural wines produced in El Molar.

The Feria del Vino de El Molar is also held in the caves of La Torreta. It brings together wine culture and the historic underground landscape and has become an established event in the regional cultural and tourism calendar. Each edition welcomes more than 5,000 people; the annual programme may change, so it is worth checking the dates before your trip. The D.O. Vinos de Madrid is another link to wine: in March 2019, its fourth subzone was approved and named “El Molar.”

Landscape, Views and Routes

The municipality encompasses mountain, countryside and river-valley landscapes, lies within the Jarama watershed and is situated west of the river. Pinar de la Corneja is a park opened in 1949 on Cerro de la Corneja, associated with the municipality’s early reforestation efforts. The Ermita de San Isidro stands at the summit, offering views of Madrid.

The chapel also has its own history: architect Joaquín Kremel built it in 1896. The building was intended to provide a place of worship for visitors to the Balneario de la Fuente del Toro spa. The Falla de El Molar is also a well-known geological feature of the Madrid region and attracts many visitors.

For active days, El Molar has walking and cycling routes to Los Pajares and Las Antiguas Fuentes. One option connects the town to the CiclaMadrid cycling network. Check the route details before setting out. A service point for cycle tourists is located at the Polideportivo Municipal de El Molar, Avda. de la Constitución s/n; operating conditions may change. These routes add another way to shape your stay, alongside its cultural and culinary offerings.

Discover more destinations: Rozas De Puerto Real, Pedrezuela, San Martín De La Vega, Vaciamadrid, Villalbilla, Somosaguas, Torrelodones, Colmenar Del Arroyo.

Go to the main travel overview: Madrid.