Palaces and castles of Madrid

Palaces and castles of Madrid

The castle Manzanares el Real is an example of Spanish defensive structures of the XV century, the symbol of powerful family Mendoza from Castile. The castle is built in Gothic style, and represents one of the и best examples of architecture of that time. The ancient fortress is located 50 km from the capital. The main decoration of the castle is the heraldry of Mendoza family and such noble families as Velasco and Toledo. The interiors are decorated with the tapestries and the masters of the XV century. The castles store a lot of armory and antique weapons.

The castle Buitrago del Lozoya is located in the beautiful village 75 km from Madrid on the coast of the river Lozoya. It was built in the fifteenth century and represents an example of the unique style “mudejar”, which combines the elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Mauritanian architecture.
The castle Santorcaz is located in the wonderful village of Santocraz. It was in the fourteenth century. The castle has an oval shape and is surrounded by the towers. In the old days, it was the palace residence of archbishop. Later on, the castle was visited by such great personalities as the King Philip III and the Princess of Eboli.
The castle La Coracera is located 68 km west from Madrid. The castle was built in 1434 for Don Alvaro de la Luna, whose passion was hunting among the beautiful nature of this area. The castle building has a square shape and three cylindrical towers. Since 2003, the castle has belonged to the Municipal Council of San Martin.
The castle Batres was built from the XV to the XVI century and preserved to this day. This is one of the most magnificent, original and best preserved castles of Madrid. You should pay special attention to the tower at the castle’s entrance, with the height of 25 m. The castle is located in a small pretty village of Batres on the west of Madrid.
The castle Villaviciosa de Odón is the most significant building in its area. Its building dates back to the times of Catholic kings. The marquises of Moya ordered to build this castle in 1496. It was destroyed, but years later reconstructed by the famous architect Juan de Herrera, the author of numerous famous buildings. Now, the castle is a historical monument that belongs to the Ministry of Defence.
The castle Aulencia, magnificent and pretty, once belonged to the Muslim leader who ruled this region. The surroundings of the castle were walled, and there is a tower in its center. The outside of the castle is formed by 6 cylindrical towers, connected by a big wall – 1.5 meter wide and 6 meter high. The castle witnessed the great battles of Civil War (1937).
The castle Torrejon de Velasco was very important during the Reconquista. It was built in the fifteenth century, and later turned into the prison for the eminent personalities. The castle is not very large (37 х 21 m). It has a rectangular shape. The castle is surrounded by the towers (one in each corner), and a beautiful patio.
The castle Chinchon was built in the XV century, and it was meant to suffer a lot … In 1521, the castle was almost destroyed during the war and robbery of Napoleo’s forces. The building always belonged to the counts of Chinchon, although they left it in the XVIII century. Since then, it was used for different purposes: as the alcohol factory, and recently it became a set for different films and series.
The castle Fuentidueña de Tajo. The history of this castle is related to the Kings Alfonso VI and Alfonso VII who reconquered these lands from the Muslins. Initially, this castle was the residence in the time of Doña Urraca, the wife of Alfonso I “the Conqueror”. Later, the castle turned into the prison. In the XV century it was known as the Castle of Santiago.
The castle Villarejo de Salvanés was built in the thirteenth century. At that time, it was considered a defensive structure against the Muslims. Throughout its history, the castle suffered a lot of changes, especially after the horrible fire of 1650. The castle witnessed many historical events.
The castle Casasola was built in the fourteenth century. It has a triangular structure, stone bridge and several towers. The castle is located on the coast of the river, in the heart of the valley Tajuña. There stayed the politics and military men, supportive of Alfonso XII. It was his secret political and military residence. The castle was designed in the Gothic style. Now it is a private property.