Imagine being confined within these very walls. The Castle of Villaviciosa de Odón stands before us. It is a palace-fortress with a rich history.
This castle’s story starts in the 15th century. The Counts of Chinchón initiated the first construction here. In 1496, the Marquis of Moya, Andrés Cabrera and Beatriz Fernández de Bobadilla, built the first castle. However, the Revolt of the Comuneros led to its destruction in 1521.
Diego Fernández de Cabrera y Bobadilla commissioned its reconstruction in 1583. Juan de Herrera, the royal architect, designed it. He gave one of the towers a unique shape. This gave the castle an asymmetrical look.
Two centuries later, King Philip V acquired the county in 1738. He granted the title of Count of Chinchón and the castle to his son, Luis. Luis commissioned Ventura Rodríguez to restore the castle. He gave the locality its present name, Villaviciosa de Odón.
After his wife’s death in 1758, Ferdinand VI moved to the castle. He died here the following year. The Castle of Villaviciosa de Odón became a royal residence.
María Teresa de Borbón, Countess of Chinchón, married Manuel Godoy in 1797. Godoy was the prime minister and a favorite of Charles IV. In 1808, Godoy was dismissed and imprisoned in this very castle. Ironically, it once belonged to his father-in-law.
In the 1840s, the castle became home to Spain’s first forestry school. This was the Escuela de Especial de Ingenieros de Montes. The forestry school later moved to El Escorial.
Following the school’s departure, the Castle of Villaviciosa de Odón became a military school. It was later sacked during the Spanish Civil War. Today, it houses the Archives of the Spanish Air Force. The castle has served many purposes over the centuries.
Villaviciosa de Odón grew around the castle. It offers a place for contemplation and quiet walks. The castle has also been a navigation beacon for early aviators. Every Thursday, you can visit the castle in organized groups.
Consider the story of the Bonelli’s eagle in Villaviciosa de Odón. This small migratory falcon has returned to breed naturally after more than 40 years. It is thanks to a reintroduction program with captive-bred chicks. The program highlights the efforts to preserve the natural environment around the castle.
As you stand here, remember the sieges, imprisonments, and royal residencies. The Castle of Villaviciosa de Odón has silently witnessed centuries of Spanish history. Its walls hold stories of power, betrayal, and resilience. The Castle of Villaviciosa de Odón remains a stoic sentinel. It overlooks the town and a reminder of the past.