castillo de Torrejón de Velasco

Castillo de Torrejón de Velasco is a medieval stronghold standing in the town of Torrejón de Velasco, south of Madrid. Though still partly in ruins, it remains one of the best-preserved examples of seigniorial military architecture in this part of Castile, and it is gradually regaining its former shape thanks to a long-running restoration effort.

Where does this castle come from?

The earliest references to a fortification on this spot date back to the 13th century, but the structure visitors see today was raised in the 15th century. Its likely founder was Gutierre Gómez de Toledo, a figure connected to the House of Alba; construction is thought to have taken place between 1430 and 1440, although the first written record confirming the castle's existence only appears in 1455.

By around 1465 the stronghold had passed into the hands of Álvar Gómez, a relative of the founder and secretary to King Henry IV of Castile. Shortly after, Pedro Arias Dávila, lord of Puñonrostro, laid siege to the castle on royal orders and took control of its surrounding lands — from that point on, the building's fate was tied for centuries to the Counts of Puñonrostro.

What did these walls witness?

During the 16th century the castle, like other fortresses in the region, served as a prison for notable figures of the royal court. Under the second Count of Puñonrostro, it withstood an assault during the Revolt of the Comuneros against royal authority. Later, in 1775, while still owned by the Puñonrostro family, the building changed purpose entirely: a soap factory and a wool-spinning mill were installed inside its walls.

The real blow to its fortunes came with the Peninsular War against Napoleon, during which the castle suffered severe damage. Left abandoned, it slid into ruin for decades. It remained in private hands until 2002, when ownership finally passed to the town council of Torrejón de Velasco, opening the way for its rescue.

What will you see on site?

The castle is a classic example of seigniorial defensive architecture: a walled enclosure dominated by a massive keep (torre del homenaje), the most recognizable feature of the whole complex. A distinctive architectural detail is the entrance passage, which winds in a bent, zigzagging path into the tower — a layout typical of Castilian defensive castles, designed to slow down any attacking force.

For over a decade the site has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration divided into six phases. The first three have already been completed — in 2012, in 2017–2018, and in 2021–2023 — with the ultimate goal of opening the castle fully to visitors. It's worth checking the current state of the works before a visit, since full access to the interior depends on the completion of the remaining phases.

How do you get there?

Torrejón de Velasco lies south of Madrid, within the Community of Madrid region. The castle stands right at the heart of the town, making it an easy landmark to find — the tower's silhouette is visible well before you reach the village itself.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures around Madrid are milder than in the height of summer. Because restoration work is ongoing, it's worth checking ahead of time how much of the castle is currently accessible, as parts of the site may be temporarily closed off.

Frequently asked questions

Can you currently visit the inside of the castle? The castle is undergoing a multi-phase restoration aimed at eventually opening it fully to the public. Several phases are already finished, but it's best to confirm the current level of access before visiting.

Who built Castillo de Torrejón de Velasco? Its most likely founder was Gutierre Gómez de Toledo, linked to the House of Alba, with construction dated to around 1430–1440.

Why did the castle fall into ruin? The decisive blow came from the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, after which the building was abandoned and deteriorated for decades before passing to the town council in 2002.

What's the castle's most distinctive feature? The towering keep (torre del homenaje) and its unusual bent entrance passage leading into the tower.