Tower of Éboli, Pinto

Tower of Éboli is a medieval defensive tower standing right in the heart of Pinto, a town just south of Madrid. Its square, thick-walled silhouette with rounded corners, built from pale stone, has stood for more than six and a half centuries and still dominates the surrounding streets — one of the region's best-preserved fortified monuments.

Where did this tower come from?

Construction is believed to date back to 1359–1360, after King Peter I of Castile granted the lordship of Pinto to the knight Íñigo López de Orozco. What is certain is that by 1382 the tower already stood, since that year King John I visited the town, then ruled by Íñigo's daughter, Juana de Orozco. The tower was built both as a noble residence and as a defensive post along the route between Madrid and Toledo.

Why is it called the Tower of Éboli?

The name comes from one of the most dramatic episodes tied to this building. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the tower served as a state prison for members of the highest social circles. Its most famous prisoner was Ana de Mendoza y de la Cerda, Princess of Éboli, one of the most powerful women at the court of Philip II. Arrested on 28 July 1579 by royal troops, she spent six months confined here. Because of her fragile health and the harsh conditions inside the tower, she was later moved first to the castle of Santorcaz and then to her own palace in Pastrana. A decade later, in 1589, the same tower held Antonio Pérez, secretary to King Philip II, for two months on charges of leaking state secrets. In 1808, Manuel Godoy, the all-powerful favourite of King Charles IV, was also briefly confined here.

What will you see on site?

The tower has a square floor plan with distinctively rounded corners, measures roughly 16.5 metres across, and rises to about 25 metres in height. The pale stone gives it a stark yet elegant look typical of 14th-century Castilian military architecture. The interior, modest compared to the palatial residences of the period, makes it easy to picture the conditions endured by its state prisoners — thick walls, narrow window openings, and austere rooms tell their own story better than any information plaque could.

How to get there and when to visit?

Pinto lies just south of Madrid and is well connected to the capital by commuter train and bus, making it a popular day-trip destination for visitors staying in Madrid. The tower sits right in the town centre, only a short walk from the train station. Visits run on specific days — Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, in two time slots — and require booking a ticket in advance through the town's online reservation system. It's worth planning ahead, especially on weekends, when available slots can fill up quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? Yes. General admission costs 4 euros, while retirees and children aged 7 to 12 pay 2 euros; children under 7 enter free of charge.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? Yes, visits are guided and only take place by prior reservation, made either through Pinto town council's online booking system or by phone for group visits.

How long does a visit take? Guided tours typically last around an hour, covering the tower's history and the stories of its most famous prisoners.

Is it worth combining with other sights in Pinto? Yes — the town centre has other historical spots worth a stroll, and its proximity to Madrid makes it easy to pair the tower visit with a longer walk through the town.