Manzanares el Real facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manzanares el Real
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Castle of the Mendoza in Manzanares el Real
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 Manzanares el Real
Location in Spain
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Community of Madrid | ||
| Comarca | Cuenca Alta del Manzanares | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 128.4 km2 (49.6 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 908 m (2,979 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 8,597 | ||
| • Density | 66.955/km2 (173.41/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Manzanariegos/as | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
Manzanares el Real is a lovely town located in the northern part of the Community of Madrid in Spain. It sits right at the base of La Pedriza, which is a unique part of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. The town is also next to the embalse de Santillana, also known as the Santillana reservoir. In 2020, about 8,936 people called Manzanares el Real home.
Contents
Exploring Manzanares el Real's Main Sights
Manzanares el Real is famous for its interesting historical buildings and beautiful natural spots. Here are some of the most important places to visit.
Discovering the Castles of Manzanares
Manzanares el Real has two important castles, each with its own story.
The New Castle of Manzanares el Real
This castle is one of the best-preserved castles in the entire Community of Madrid. Its construction began in 1475. Over the years, this impressive building has even been used in movies, like the famous film El Cid. It's a great example of old Spanish architecture.
The Old Castle of Manzanares el Real
The Old Castle is now mostly ruins, also known as Plaza de Armas. Only two of its original walls are still standing. These walls have been made part of a beautiful garden complex. The castle was built in the Mudejar style, using granite stone with brick details.
Visiting Local Churches and Hermitages
The town also has important religious buildings that show its long history.
Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves
This church was founded a very long time ago, in the early 14th century. It has a main area (nave) and two side areas (aisles). These are separated by arches resting on stone columns. The main area, built in a Romanesque style, ends in a five-sided presbytery. The church also features a beautiful Renaissance-style entrance from the 16th century.
Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Peña Sacra
This is a smaller, sacred building known as a hermitage. It is another important religious site in the area.
The Heart of the Town: Plaza and Town Hall Houses
The main square and the buildings around it are very important to the town's daily life and history.
The Town Square and Town Hall Houses
The Town Square has always been a central gathering place. It's where local events, celebrations, and social life happen. The Town Hall Houses are quite special. Even though Manzanares el Real was once the main town of the County of El Real de Manzanares, these buildings weren't always a town hall. They used to be the County jail! The building has kept its original covered walkway (portico), balcony, and railings. It is thought that the Great Cardinal Mendoza might have ordered its construction in the 16th century.
Getting Around: Bus Services
Manzanares el Real is connected to other towns by several bus lines. This makes it easy to travel to and from the village.
- SE720: This bus line connects Colmenar Viejo with Manzanares el Real.
- 720: This line travels between Colmenar Viejo and Collado Villalba.
- 724: This bus connects Madrid (specifically Plaza de Castilla) to Manzanares el Real and then continues to El Boalo.
See also
- Manzanares el Real para niños (In Spanish)
