castle of La Alameda

Castillo de la Alameda is a medieval castle in the Alameda de Osuna neighborhood, part of the Barajas district in Madrid. It is one of only four fortifications that have survived within the city's boundaries, and since 2010 its grounds have been open to the public as a free open-air museum.

What's the history behind the castle?

The settlement of La Alameda dates back to the 13th century, founded as part of the medieval repopulation of the area, while the castle itself was built in the 15th century. In 1575 its owner at the time commissioned a major renovation to turn it into a Renaissance residence: a keep tower (torre del homenaje) was added, along with new wings on the eastern and southern sides and larger, brighter window openings that gave the building a more stately appearance.

Archaeological excavations carried out on the site since 1996 have uncovered traces of settlement going back to the Bronze Age, as well as remains from the Roman period. That makes the site valuable not only as an architectural monument but also as an archaeological record spanning centuries of history in this corner of Madrid. Because of its historical significance, Castillo de la Alameda has been designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Asset of National Interest).

What will you see on site?

The grounds have been turned into an open-air museum, managed by Madrid City Council's Museums Department and affiliated with the Museo de los Orígenes. Along the visitor route, information panels walk you through the site's different layers of history — from prehistoric settlement, through the medieval fortress, to the Renaissance-era rebuilding. Visitors can see the remains of defensive walls, the foundations of former structures, and finds recovered during the excavations.

It's a quiet, uncrowded spot — one of Madrid's lesser-known corners, appreciated by visitors looking for an alternative to the crowds in the city center.

How do you get to Castillo de la Alameda?

The easiest way is by metro line 5, getting off at either Alameda de Osuna or El Capricho station, both within short walking distance of the castle. Several EMT city bus lines also stop nearby: 101, 105, 112, 114, 115, 151, 166, and the night line N4.

When should you visit and what does it cost?

Admission is free, but the castle is only open on weekends and public holidays (except when a holiday falls on a Monday). Opening hours change with the season:

• April 1 – June 14: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
• June 15 – September 15: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
• September 16–30: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
• October – March: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

The castle is closed on January 1 and 6, May 1, and December 24, 25, and 31. Free guided tours led by volunteers run on Saturdays at 12:00 PM, so it's worth timing your visit around one of them.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Castillo de la Alameda free? Yes, entry is completely free.

Is the castle open every day? No, it's only open on weekends and public holidays (excluding holidays that fall on a Monday), and hours vary by season.

What's the easiest way to get there? Take metro line 5 to Alameda de Osuna or El Capricho station, or use one of the EMT bus lines that stop nearby.

What can you see inside the castle grounds? Remains of the medieval and Renaissance-era structures, traces of Bronze Age and Roman settlement, and information panels covering the site's history.