About
Once part of a larger medieval fortification, the Torreón de Pinto is a 14th-century tower with a dark past.
Far from being a mere fortification, it served as a prison for members of the Spanish nobility — most notably the enigmatic Princess of Éboli and the royal secretary Antonio Pérez, both entangled in the deadly intrigues of Philip II’s court.
Beneath the tower, a gloomy cellar reportedly doubled as a torture chamber.
Today, the tower stands in the heart of Pinto, Madrid, and each spring it becomes the centerpiece of the town’s Renaissance Festival, where a lively parade reenacts the princess’s dramatic imprisonment.
Know Before You Go
Access to the interior of the tower is limited, as it remains private property. Though guided tours are occasionally offered, they are infrequent and restricted to small groups. Currently, visits are usually scheduled during specific days announced via the Pinto town hall’s social media. Even catching a glimpse of the full exterior can be tricky — the tower is partially obscured from the street.
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Published
July 9, 2025
