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Castles - Castillo de Manzanares el Real

Fairytale Castle Just outside Modern Madrid: Castillo de Manzanares el Real

by Andre Nakazawa

Knights in shining armor, the King on his throne and sentinels patrolling their watchtowers. Everything you assumed was mere childhood fantasy materializes in the 15th century Castillo de Manzanares el Real. Beautifully preserved, the castle lies a stone’s...

Castillo de Manzanares el Real

Castle : Castillo Manzanares el Real (entrance 2 euros)
Hours: October-May: 10:00-17:00; June-September: 10:00-18:00; Mondays closed.
http://www.manzanareselreal.org/
Transport: available from Plaza Castilla, Madrid (6.40 euros)

by Andre Nakazawa

Knights in shining armor, the King on his throne and sentinels patrolling their watchtowers. Everything you assumed was mere childhood fantasy materializes in the 15^th century Castillo de Manzanares el Real.

Beautifully preserved, the castle lies a stone’s throw away from Madrid. Located at the foot of the jagged La Pedriza and next to the Santillana reservoir, the site creates a stunning backdrop for a castle of nearly fictitious beauty.

Although the architecture is not entirely original, minor reconstructions have made this the best preserved castle in all of the Community of Madrid. The edifice combines late Gothic and Mudejar architecture replete with Renaissance details.

Anyone accustomed to the modern world of skyscrapers will be especially delighted by this medieval marvel. The castle sits atop a grassy knoll which makes for perfect picnicking. Enjoy your lunch with the blue reservoir at your back, the castle above you, and the rocky Sierra de Guadarrama in the background - it doesn’t get better than this.

Manzanares el Real is a perfect excursion to escape from the bustling environs of Madrid. A round-trip ticket from the Plaza de Castilla Station (line 724) costs 6.40 euros and the entrance to the castle costs only 2 Euros. A quick 50-minute trip lands you directly in front of the castle; from there, let your imagination run wild and explore all the splendor the Castillo de Manzanares el Real has to offer. Your day is sure to end “Happily ever after”.