New Castle of Manzanares el Real, Spain

The New Castle of Manzanares el Real, also known as Castillo de los Mendoza, is a well-preserved 15th-century fortress located in the town of Manzanares el Real, about 50 kilometers north of Madrid, Spain. It is one of the finest examples of late medieval military architecture in the Madrid region and serves as a symbol of the noble Mendoza family, one of the most influential dynasties in Castilian history.

History

Construction of the New Castle began in 1475 under the orders of Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the first Duke of the Infantado, replacing an older fortress located nearby. The castle was designed not only for defense but also as a luxurious residence, blending Gothic and early Renaissance architectural elements.

Architecture

The New Castle of Manzanares el Real is an elegant example of late Gothic and early Renaissance design. Built primarily from granite, the structure is characterized by its symmetrical layout, cylindrical towers, and crenelated walls. Key architectural features include:

• Four circular corner towers, one of which serves as the main keep, rising above the rest of the fortress.
• A large courtyard with a two-story arcade of Gothic arches, which was used for ceremonial and domestic purposes.
• Decorative details, such as coats of arms, carved balustrades, and ornamental stonework reflecting the prestige of the Mendoza family.
• The gallery of Juan Guas, an elegant late Gothic loggia on the south side, decorated with stone balls in the Isabelline style.

Visiting the Castle

The castle has been closed to visitors since 5 January 2025, when its management returned from the Community of Madrid to the owners, the ducal House of the Infantado. The owners plan to reopen it for visits once the administration grants the necessary licences, but no date has been set, so check the official website before you go.

The outside of the castle can be seen freely, and it is still worth the trip: a footpath leads around the walls, the ruins of the Old Castle stand nearby, and the town is the gateway to the granite rocks of La Pedriza in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and to the Santillana reservoir.

How to Get There

By car:
The castle is located about 50 kilometers north of Madrid and can be reached via the M-607 highway, following signs toward Manzanares el Real. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. There is a parking area near the entrance.

By bus:
Regular intercity buses (such as Line 724) run from Madrid’s Plaza de Castilla bus station to Manzanares el Real. From the bus stop, the castle is a short 10-minute walk.