Boadilla del Monte

This town of 65,000 inhabitants (2023), 20 kilometres west of Madrid, will allow you to discover a rich historical and cultural heritage combined with an attractive natural environment.

The origins of Boadilla date back to the Arab period, as evidenced by the archaeological sites found. The name of the municipality could be derived from the Arabic Boadil-la, which would indicate that for a time it was under Saracen rule. Sites of a possible medieval settlement have also been discovered.

The Palace of Infante Don Luis, built in the 18th century by the architect Ventura Rodríguez, is one of the jewels of Boadilla. The palace was the residence of Infante Luis de Borbón, brother of King Carlos III, and currently houses a museum with an important art collection. The gardens of the Palace of Infante Don Luis are a perfect example of 18th century French gardening. They have three terraces, fountains, sculptures and a labyrinth. In its surroundings, the pond and waterwheel complex stand out, as well as the Bird House.

Other places of interest are the Convent of the Encarnación, founded in 1674, this convent houses a church, a chaplain's house and a guest house; the church of San Cristóbal, a 13th century Mudejar church with three naves and a solid-base bell tower; the hermitage of San Sebastián, a simple 17th century cubic hermitage built in brick and adobe; and the Grupo Santander Museum: This museum houses an important collection of Spanish art, with works by masters such as Goya, El Greco, Velázquez and Picasso.

Boadilla del Monte has a rich natural environment of more than 700 hectares of forest, mainly Mediterranean oak forest. In this green space you can find various hiking and cycling routes, and an Environmental Classroom to learn the secrets of this valuable ecosystem.