The Community (originally Region) of Madrid:

  • The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: considered the eighth wonder of the world since the XVI century, El Escorial is a jewel created by King Phillip II and his architect Juan Batista de Toledo in honour of the victory won over the French at the Battle of San Quentín. In this monastery is to be found the mausoleum in which many monarchs of both the Austrias and the Borbons are laid to rest.
  • The Royal Palace of Aranjuez: one of the residences of the Spanish royal family, the palace at Aranjuez is now part of the Spanish patrimony. It was the intention of the king to employ Juan Bautista again as architect, but the latter died before he could finish the work. Two generations passed before Carlos III could bring the final touches to a small palace that is itself one of the jewels of Aranjuez.
  • Palace of La Granja: a replica in miniature of the Palace of Versailles, this mansion was for many years the summer home of the Spanish royal family, until the reign of Alfonso XIII.
  • The University of Alcalá de Henares: both the university and the town itself are part of Spain’s heritage. Once you are inside, it seems you have retraced your footsteps by at least two centuries. The town and colleges, just outside Madrid, are worth studying in every detail.
  • Castillo de Manzanares el Real: this is probably the best preserved of all the castles to be found in the Community of Madrid. Enjoy the wonderful views seen from it. The eating places offer delightful mountain-type gastronomy.
  • Buitrago de Lozoya is a town founded by the Romans, and later walled by the Moors. It was an important town/market in the Region of Madrid.
  • Chinchón is one of the most picturesque towns in the region: The Plaza Mayor is particularly worth seeing.