Castles & Ruins

This collection highlights the architectural heritage of the Madrid region, featuring defensive structures and royal residences. It includes the 15th-century Castillo de la Coracera and the Castillo de Chinchón, both showcasing Renaissance military design. The list also features the Torreón de Pinto, a 14th-century tower once used as a state prison, and the Cistercian ruins of Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias. These sites range from the medieval buildings of Plaza de la Villa to the 16th-century Royal Palace of El Pardo.

Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / CC BY 2.0

A

Plaza de la Villa

Historic medieval square featuring notable monuments and buildings from the Renaissance and medieval periods. It showcases significant architecture and cultural heritage tied to the city's past.

Carlos Delgado / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Palace of El Pardo

Originally commissioned by King Henry III as a hunting lodge, the small castle was turned into a palace during the reign of Carlos V by the…

M.Peinado / CC BY 2.0

C

Castillo de Chinchón

A 15th-century Renaissance fortress rebuilt by the Counts of Chinchón. It features thick masonry walls designed for artillery defense and suffered significant damage during the Peninsular War.

Seanver~commonswiki / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Torreón de Pinto

A 14th-century masonry tower that served as a defensive outpost and later a state prison. It is historically notable as the site where the Princess of Eboli was confined in the 16th century.

Anonymous / Public domain

E

Castillo de la Coracera

Built in the 15th century by Álvaro de Luna, this granite castle features a prominent square keep and circular corner towers. It served as both a residence and a defensive stronghold.

F

Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias

Ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery featuring a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles. The site preserves remains of the church, cloister, and various monastic outbuildings.