“A house new” is what they called it back in January 24, 1808. Today we stand before the ruins of Casa de Los Pinos. Its story is etched in the very ground beneath our feet.
Casa de Los Pinos was once an important house within this estate. Imagine its grandeur. It was large enough to house two guards. They lived here protecting this vital part of the Casa de Campo.
The construction of Casa de Los Pinos dates back to the early 19th century. It quickly became a significant structure. The house was a hub of activity within the estate.
The name “Casa de Los Pinos” translates to “House of the Pines”. The area was known for its pine trees. These trees gave the house and the nearby Portillo de los Pinos their names. The Portillo de los Pinos is nearby. You can visit it later.
The strategic location of Casa de Los Pinos made it a key point. It was close to the Portillo de los Pinos. This served as an access point to Madrid. Casa de Los Pinos and the portillo were integral to the area’s functionality.
Sadly the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939 took its toll. Casa de Los Pinos suffered significant damage. In December 1936 Manuel Falcó Álvarez de Toledo lost his life nearby. He was the Duke of Fernán Núñez. He fought with the rebel troops.
After the war Casa de Los Pinos was never fully rebuilt. Only the foundations remain. They offer a glimpse into its past glory. Despite its ruined state Casa de Los Pinos remains a place of historical importance.
Just a short distance from here is the Cristo de las Bombas. It is less than 800 meters away. The Portillo de los Pinos is also very close.
Casa de Los Pinos is linked to the Cuartel de los Pinos. The Cuartel de los Pinos was established around 1860. This connection highlights the area’s evolving role over time.
The Portillo de los Pinos was restored in the 1980s. It now provides limited access for pedestrians and cyclists. This connects Pozuelo with the Casa de Campo. It also marks the old road of Húmera.
Casa de Los Pinos and its surroundings offer a multi-layered history. It is a history of construction destruction and restoration. It is a story of strategic importance and tragic events.
As we stand here let us remember Casa de Los Pinos. It once stood as a proud house amidst the pines. Its ruins remind us of the past. It is a past that has shaped the Casa de Campo we see today.