The Castle of Manzanares el Real is one of the most interesting and popular places to visit in the Sierra de Madrid. This impressive medieval castle also has an incomparable natural environment next to La Pedriza, and practically in the Sierra de Guadarrama. As if that were not enough, the castle has incredible views over the Santillana reservoir.
Considered the jewel of Madrid’s fortifications, the history of this castle is inherently linked to the Mendoza family. It is 50 kilometres from Madrid, making it the perfect place for a day trip with friends or family. Full in love with the true majesty of this fortification!
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History of the Castle of Manzanares el Real
The Manzanares el Real Castle was built in 1475, on the site of a Romanesque-Mudejar style chapel. This impressive structure belongs to the Mendoza family, and is today one of the best preserved castles in the whole region of Madrid.
This building has a characteristic Gothic-Isabelline nature, with clear signs of the military architectural importance of the 15th century. Originally a defensive fortress, it gradually became the residence of the acclaimed Mendoza family.
Its great preservation is due, in large part, to the many restorations it has undergone. In addition, in 2005, they opened an Information Centre and Audiovisual Room, providing a great service to visitors who wish to learn more about the history of the castle. Finally, the Renaissance Garden was created and completed in 2013.
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What to see in the Manzanares el Real Castle?
Garden of Senses
One of the best places to visit in the castle is its natural surroundings, also known as the Garden of the Senses. In this spectacular setting you can enjoy a pleasant stroll through an entertaining labyrinth, as well as an orchard where you will find many plantations of fruit, vegetables and grains.
In the past, tournaments and competitive games were held in this garden, although nowadays you can still watch some of the re-enactments of medieval games. This Renaissance garden is the ideal place to rest after a visit to the castle. Different plants also decorate the garden from both the Muslim and Roman worlds. You’ll love it!
Inside the Castle
Inside the castle, as you would expect, you can find the most important and interesting part of the visit. As soon as you enter the fortress, the first thing you will find is the Medieval Fortresses of Madrid Information Centre. This is a gallery that shows the lower chambers around the parade ground.
You can take a tour from this point through the aforementioned parade ground, and then visit the room showing the audiovisual presentations to help you learn about the castle’s history. Throughout the visit, you will see the different rooms that make up this castle. Some of the most important parts are the Sala de Santillana, the Maea or the beautiful Sala del Infantado, where they would receive visitors in the past.
How much does a ticket to the Castle of Manzanares el Real cost?
An adult ticket to enter the Castillo Manzanares el Real costs €5, while a ticket for children under 14 and over 60 costs just €3. If you show your youth card, the price is €2.50.
What are the opening hours of the Castle?
The Castle is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 except Mondays, as well as public holidays on 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 13 September, and 24, 25 and 31 December. You can buy your tickets at the ticket office from 10:00 to 17:00.
On the other hand, the garden and outdoor area is open from 10:00 to 19:00.
How to get to the Castle of Manzanares el Real?
There are two transport options to get to the castle, depending on your preferences and budget:
- The easiest and most convenient option is to go by car. Take the M-607 Colmenar motorway and then the M-609 turn-off towards Colmenar Viejo. Further on, take the M-862 and you will reach the village; once there, all you have to do is find parking and follow the signs until you reach the castle.
- Another option is to take the bus. From Madrid get on the 724 bus at Plaza de Castilla, or take the 720 bus from Colmenar Viejo.
What to see in the area around the Castle of Manzanares el Real?
Village of Manzanares el Real
If you visit Manzanares el Real Castle, you should definitely not miss a visit to the village. This beautiful town, located barely an hour from the capital, offers, in addition to its incredible historical and architectural importance, a unique place to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
With a population of just 8,500 people, Manzanares el Real dates back to prehistoric times. You can discover its secrets in just one day, from its impressive cave paintings in La Pedriza, to the stunning Santillana Reservoir. Don’t hesitate to stroll through its narrow streets and soak up its medieval atmosphere. You will be amazed by the magic of this little town on the outskirts of Madrid.
Hiking in La Pedriza
Another place you must see on your visit to Castillo Manzanares el Real is La Pedriza, a spectacular natural setting in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. This idyllic place has numerous hiking routes and excursions to some of the most beautiful natural spots in the area.
One of the most beautiful and easy routes is the one that goes from Manzanares el Real to Cantocochino. This excursion takes you into the wooded area of La Pedriza, through stunning natural landscapes near the Manzanares River until you reach the most important recreational area in the area. It covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometres, easy for both adults and children. You’ll love it!
How to plan your visit to the Castle of Manzanares el Real?
Download the Passporter app:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
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- Save your tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other that you indicate.
- Find out the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go along, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip to the Castle of Manzanares el Real?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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