A trip to Getafe can begin with a range of different themes: the history of its buildings, public cultural events, or a route featuring traces of landscape and history. A striking starting point for exploring its architectural history is the year 1549: that was when the Mudéjar hermitage of Santa María Magdalena was demolished, and construction of the present-day Catedral de La Magdalena began on its site. The cathedral was designed by the architect Alonso de Covarrubias. The history of this site therefore encompasses both the former hermitage and the beginnings of the present-day cathedral.

Architectural history and former uses

The Hospitalillo de San José was founded in 1529. The two-storey building is arranged around a courtyard with a cloister. Alongside this architectural layout, the site is also shaped by its present-day use: public events organized by Getafe City Council take place at the Hospitalillo. Individual events vary.

The former Real Cárcel also tells a story of changing building functions. The former prison is now the Biblioteca Ricardo de la Vega. In the past, the ground floor served as a prison, while grain was stored on the upper floor. The two levels thus had different functions before the building became a library.

On Cerro de los Ángeles stand the National Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and, next to it, the Ermita de la Virgen de los Ángeles. Sightseeing visits are offered on the hill; check the specific visiting arrangements in advance.

Another glimpse into the past awaits at the Roman Villa of La Torrecilla in Perales del Río in Getafe. It is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Archaeological Zone category. The villa is arranged around an inner courtyard, or peristyle. This architectural feature makes it one of the few examples of this type in the Comunidad de Madrid.

Cultural venues and events

The Teatro Auditorio Federico García Lorca brings together a cultural venue and Getafe’s industrial history. It was built on the site of a flour mill dating from 1920. After operations ceased in 1950, Getafe City Council acquired the site. The theater has 700 seats, distributed between the stalls, two tiers and two amphitheaters. Its program includes theater performances, musicals and other public events. As the program changes, check the latest dates before your trip.

Parque de La Alhóndiga offers a different perspective on Getafe. Its features include lakes, an open-air stage, a special children’s area, outdoor sports facilities and walking paths. Individual facilities may change; check their current status before visiting. Each summer, the park hosts the “Verano en el lago” cultural program. The offerings vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the dates for your travel period.

Landscape and planning

The linear RL4 route of the Arco Verde connects the area around Soto de las Juntas with Perales del Río in Getafe. It passes through a landscape featuring gypsum cliffs, former Civil War trenches and the historic Canal del Manzanares. Along the same route, landscape features and traces of history come together.

For transport planning, there is one concrete point to note: Getafe is served by Metro line 12, Metrosur. As transit routes can change, check the current route and timetable before departure. Along with the changing cultural programs and the need to confirm visiting arrangements on Cerro de los Ángeles, this will help you plan around the actual dates and conditions of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Peralejo, Titulcia, Braojos, Villalbilla, Bustarviejo, Collado Mediano, Valdeavero, Torrejón De Ardoz.

Return to the regional travel overview: Madrid.