Villarejo de Salvanés

Villarejo de Salvanés is situated in the Madrid Region, about 50 km from the capital. It belongs to the Cuenca del Tajo basin. The castle, the church and Casa de la Tercia house have the Property of Cultural Interest designation.

The Church of San Andrés, the castle and the Casa de la Tercia house are the most important buildings in Villarejo de Salvanés. All three are intercommunicated by underground galleries. The castle was built in 1203 and remains of the canvases on the walls are preserved, as well as the impressive keep. The construction is considered a unique example in Spain because it has eight cubes or towers, instead of four, which is the usual number. The Church of San Andrés was built in the 14th century and it stands out because it looks like a church-fortress, with Gothic elements. On the main façade you can see the coat of arms of the Military Order of Santiago. The Casa de la Tercia house was built in the 16th century and it was the residence of the High Commanders of Castile. There is also another significant building in Villarejo de Salvanés which was built in the 16th century: the Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria de Lepanto, built to fulfil a promise made by the soldier Luis de Requesens in 1571, after the victory in the Battle of Lepanto. On the outskirts, at a distance of about five kilometres, is the archaeological site of Santa María, dating from the pre-Roman era. There are several hiking routes in the area, one of which leads to the site.