Torrelodones, Municipality in northwestern Madrid region, Spain
Torrelodones is a municipality in northwestern Madrid that sits between the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and the Madrid metropolitan sprawl. The settlement spreads across three distinct neighborhoods at about 844 meters elevation, each with its own character and housing patterns.
The municipality began as a 7th-century settlement protected by a Muslim watchtower during the Reconquista period. This defensive structure gave the place its name, which literally means 'tower' in Spanish.
The name comes from an old tower that still shapes how locals see their town and its past. The three main neighborhoods feel quite different from each other: Pueblo and Colonia have a more traditional character, while Los Peñascales appears more modern and affluent.
The town connects easily to Madrid through public transportation, making it convenient for people who work in the capital but prefer a quieter living environment. The hilly terrain and higher elevation are worth keeping in mind when walking around, especially on warm days.
The area borders two protected natural reserves, Sierra de Hoyo and Monte del Pardo, where rare species like Spanish imperial eagles and European hedgehogs roam. This location makes it a significant buffer zone for wildlife conservation in the region.
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