Buitrago del Lozoya

Buitrago del Lozoya occupies a bend in the Lozoya River, its old town protected by water on three sides and enclosed by medieval walls. The castle and fortified town became associated with the powerful Mendoza family, lords of Buitrago and the neighbouring lands. Their residence combined defensive features with the comforts of a noble house. During the Peninsular War Napoleonic troops occupied and looted the castle in 1808, bringing destruction to this mountain stronghold north of Madrid.