2Castillo de Manzanares el Real (Madrid)

Located just outside Madrid in the Sierra de Guadarrama, this 15th-century castle is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Spain.

Built from granite, it features crenellated towers, ornate Gothic galleries, and a Renaissance courtyard. Once home to the powerful Mendoza family, today it houses a museum showcasing medieval life and chivalry. Its proximity to the capital makes it a perfect day trip for those wanting a taste of medieval Spain without venturing far.

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