Buitrago del Lozoya

Spain, Spain

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Buitrago del Lozoya is a picturesque medieval walled town in Madrid province, Spain, nestled along the Lozoya River with origins tracing back to pre-Roman Celtiberian times as the fortress of Litabrum, later fortified by Muslims and conquered by Alfonso VI in 1085.

Its standout feature is the exceptionally well-preserved 15th-century Gothic-Mudéjar castle built by the powerful Mendoza family, featuring a rectangular layout with seven distinctive towers integrated into the town's complete circuit of defensive walls that encircle the historic core.

Home to landmarks like the 14th-century Church of Santa María del Castillo and tied to nobility who hosted royalty for hunting, the site draws visitors for its time-capsule atmosphere, panoramic sierra views, and role along historic trade routes.