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Castle of Manzanares el Real

Calle Cañada, Manzanares el Real, Comunidad de Madrid

Description

The Castle of Manzanares el Real was built in the 15th century in the namesake town, at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, about 50km north of Madrid. It served as the residential place for the House of Mendoza (hence its alternative name of Castle of los Mendoza) and now houses a collection of tapestries and a museum of Spanish castles. The structure is made entirely of granite in Isabelline Gothic style with four towers (one of which is hexagonal) at each of its corners. The defensive features have been wonderfully preserved (with an extensive renovation in the 1960's) and its first-floor Gothic gallery is deemed to be one of the best examples in Spanish military architecture.

Access & Transport

Address: calle Cañada s/n, 28410 Manzanares El Real By car from Madrid, head north on the M-607 until Colmenar Viejo and then get on the M-609 followed by the M-608 westward. The journey is 50km long and should take 50-60' depending on traffic. By bus, line 724 from Plaza de Castilla (in Chamartín neighbourhood)

Instructions & Recommendations

This activity can easily be combined with the circular hike of La Pedriza that starts nearby for a full day out!

Meta review

The vast majority of online reviewers were very positively surprised not only by the picture-perfect look of the monument but also by the large number of exhibits (with most of the information available in English as well) spread over several floors. Visitors also enjoyed the views over the town, reservoir and surrounding mountains. There are a few exceptions though who thought the castle was overly renovated and not worth the drive.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral except for some electricity consumption (lighting and heating). This attraction helps preserve the region's architectural and cultural heritage and brings some economic influx to the village.

Conclusion

The Castle of los Mendoza is one of the best-preserved defensive castles in the region and we think it deserves up to 1h drive. It may feel overly restored but this does allow for a better appreciation of the architecture and what it may have feel like at the time (they were not building ruins to live in).

Key positive

Interesting exhibits / museum

Very well preserved / restored

Good views from the castle

Key negative

May not feel authentic enough for some

Suitability

Because this is a 15th century castle, most sections / floors are not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, 06 Jan, 01 May, 14 Sept, 24/25 Dec, 31 Dec. Ticket counter closes at 17h00

av. transport time:0h 50m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday10:00 - 17:30

Wednesday10:00 - 17:30

Thursday10:00 - 17:30

Friday10:00 - 17:30

Saturday10:00 - 18:00

Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
60 - 99
€3
Adult
14 - 59
€5
Child
3 - 13
€3
Infant
0 - 2
€0

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