You don’t just come to Madrid to enjoy the big city, the community also has a lot to offer in terms of charming towns. Let them tell it if not to San Martín de Valdeiglesias or those who come with legend included. Well, the five names that we present below cannot be missing from that list.
Buitrago de Lozoya
To get to know the old town of Buitrago de Lozoya, only two or three hours are enough. In other words, it is a perfect destination for day trips. The main tourist attraction of this municipality is that its old walled enclosure is preserved, practically, as it was built in the 11th century by the Muslims. With a length of 800 meters and a height that ranges between 9 and 16 meters, it is also made up of several towers, a moat… In addition to having fantastic views. Although, for this, it is a must the looker.
Other notable places are the Constitution Plaza, where is it the Clock Tower and the main access to the wall. Just below is the Snow Archfrom where there are some incredible views of the Church of Santa María del Castillo (a temple that dates back to the 15th century and was rebuilt in the 1980s. Finally, you can’t leave without visiting the Castle of Buitrago de Lozoya and its parade ground and seven towers, whose construction dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Chinchon
About 45 kilometers from Madrid capital, with a density of about 5,000 inhabitants and easily accessible on foot, is what for many is the most beautiful town in Madrid and one of the most beautiful in Spain. This is Chinchón, which is located framed by vineyards and olive trees in the Tajo-Jarama basin. brag about an iconic Plaza Mayor, good Castilian cuisine and an interesting calendar of festivities.
Historical, ancient, full of arcades, stepped roofs and 234 wooden balconies painted green, it is the most emblematic point of Chinchón. A square of medieval origin, with various entrances and an irregular shape, an example of popular Castilian architecture. Since its construction, between the 15th and 16th centuries, it has been the scene of royal proclamations and celebrations, bullfights, executions… and even a film set: Cantiflas, Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles or John Wayne recorded there.
Manzanares El Real
This town, which we can reach in 48 minutes from the center of Madrid, is a true beauty. The castle of Manzanares el Real it’s a vivid portrait of the medieval world and the Renaissance. It is the best preserved in the Community and is fully musealized.
The town also has forests for hikers, a reservoir and a mountain that, according to legend, is magical: the pedriza. Another remarkable detail of this town is that it is passage of two of the great roads to Santiago de Compostela. In addition, it was the main town of the dukedom of the Mendoza family.
San Martin de Valdeiglesias
One of the most interesting castles in the capital, which was for a time the home of Isabel la Católica, is the Coracera castle, in San Martín de Valdeiglesias. It was built by the noble Álvaro de Luna in the 15th century and, 6 kilometers away, we find the Toros de Guisando, a sculptural group with more than 2000 years of history located in El Tiemblo. Another reason to visit San Martín de Valdeiglesias is that we can enjoy the beach of Madridthanks to the San Juan reservoir.
Patons from above
Patones is one of those towns that is on any list of the most beautiful villages in Spainand its stone architecture, its silence and the nature that surrounds it make it a captivating little town where you will want to stay and live. Just 56 minutes from the capital, it is located near the Atazar reservoir, where it is possible to enjoy nature by hiking, kayaking or simply taking a bath.
Photo | istock