Castillo Nuevo de los Mendoza showcases a striking blend of different architectural styles: construction began in 1475, the floor plan is square, three towers are round and crenellated, and the keep is octagonal. All the towers are decorated with traditional Isabelline balls. In 1983, the Statute of Autonomy of the Madrid Region was adopted at Castillo Nuevo. This monument thus brings together architectural features from the late 15th century and a more recent political event.
Castillo Viejo de Manzanares El Real offers a different perspective. It stands on a hill on the right bank of the Manzanares River and overlooks La Pedriza, the Cañada Real Segoviana and the river. Its shape and exterior walls have been preserved. While the floor plan, towers and a historical event take centre stage at Castillo Nuevo, at Castillo Viejo the preserved exterior structure and its setting are connected with the surrounding landscape. Those who make castles the focus of their trip can explore different architectural and landscape features in this way.
Church, tradition and local collection
The church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves is also among the town’s historic buildings. Its vault was designed by Juan Guas. The church garden was once a cemetery; gravestones from the 13th and 14th centuries have been preserved there. The vault and the gravestones offer different perspectives: one points to the church’s design, while the others reflect the garden’s former use.
The Museo EtnolĂłgico y ArqueolĂłgico preserves local traditions, objects and utensils, archaeological finds, and old photographs. The collection thus brings together different forms of local heritage. It offers a different thematic perspective from castles and religious architecture: here, the focus is on objects, finds and images rather than buildings and their architectural details.
A recurring event in the local calendar is Whit Monday. Every year, a procession makes its way to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Peña Sacra, followed by a romerĂa on a nearby meadow. The hermitage dates from the late 15th century. Travellers who wish to take this occasion into account when planning their trip can combine a historic building with a local tradition that takes place every year.
Granite, routes and birdwatching
La Pedriza can be reached from Manzanares El Real and is known for its striking granite peaks with unusual shapes. The area is also a popular place for climbing. The visitor information point is just beyond the barrier at the entrance to La Pedriza. There you can find local route maps and recommendations for your visit. The landscape thus goes hand in hand with practical ways to find your bearings and plan your stay.
The Ruta Verde La Vuelta al Yelmo also has a clear connection to the town: it starts and ends in Manzanares El Real. For travellers wishing to include a route in their plans, these two endpoints provide the key reference points.
Birdlife takes centre stage at the Embalse de Santillana. The reservoir is a favoured spot for nesting and migratory activity, as well as for birdwatching. By contrast, La Pedriza is known for its unusual granite formations and climbing. When choosing a nature-focused activity, you can therefore opt for rocky landscapes and climbing or birdwatching at the reservoir.
Discover more destinations: Colmenar Viejo, Brea De Tajo, Horcajo De La Sierra, Valdelaguna, Alpedrete, Casarrubuelos, Tielmes, Pedrezuela.
For the regional travel overview: Madrid.
