The castle was built by the first Duke of the Infantado, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, in 1475.
It is technically a palace-fortress, designed to serve as a symbolic display of power rather than a purely defensive structure.
The castle features a rare Mudejar-style gallery that connects the main courtyard to the residential wings.
The hexagonal Keep (Torre del Homenaje) is the most prominent architectural feature, standing out against the square design of the outer walls.
The fortification is surrounded by an 'antemuro' or outer defensive wall which features arrow slits and small towers.
It was used as a filming location for the 1961 epic film 'El Cid', starring Charlton Heston.
The castle stands on the site of a previous 15th-century residence owned by the Mendoza family.
The facade contains decorative stone balls known as 'bolas' or 'esferas', typical of the Isabelline Gothic style in Castile.
Castle Manzanares el Real, also known as the New Castle of the Dukes of the Infantado, is a late 15th-century fortification located at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama in Madrid, Spain. It represents one of the best-preserved examples of military and residential Mudejar Gothic architecture in the region. Constructed primarily in granite, the castle was designed to combine defensive features, such as machicolations and battlements, with the comforts of a palatial residence. The building follows a square floor plan with three circular towers and one prominent hexagonal tower, known as the 'Torre del Homenaje'. It was built over the ruins of a Romanesque-Gothic church, remnants of which are still visible within the castle grounds. The site serves as a museum featuring period furniture, tapestries, and historical artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries. The surrounding walls contain an enclosed garden and a courtyard featuring a double gallery of arches. It remains a key historical landmark managed by the Community of Madrid.
The path leading up to the main entrance provides the perfect angle to capture the symmetry of the castle walls and towers.
Climb to the top of the ramparts for views of the Santillana Reservoir and the Guadarrama mountains.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the interior floors are original stone and can be uneven.
Check the official website for scheduled costumed guided tours or historical reenactment events.
Do not rely on weekend bus transport to return to Madrid during peak season without checking the final departure times in advance.
Generally closed on Mondays; always verify status during public holidays as it may be subject to change.
Maintain a quiet volume inside the historical chambers and do not touch the preserved tapestries or period furniture.
