Abandoned and ‘bewitched’ village near Madrid on sale for €900,000

Just 72 kilometres from Madrid, the abandoned village of La Lastra, situated in the Sierra de Guadarrama between Ávila and Madrid, is on the market for €900,000. The village has been left in ruins since the Spanish Civil War. Meanwhile most buildings have crumbled, the bell tower of the church still stands, surrounded by overgrown vegetation.

The history of La Lastra has given rise to numerous legends, with locals and visitors alike reporting strange occurrences. Ana, a retired journalist, claims she once saw a shadow pass behind her while exploring the ruins. Her story is just one of many that have contributed to the village’s eerie reputation. Some say the village is haunted, with tales of witchcraft, ghostly figures, and places where grass refuses to grow. It is said that many women in the village were dedicated to witchcraft.

During the Spanish Civil War, La Lastra, which once had 200 residents, was destroyed. This was because it lay on the front line of the conflict. Its inhabitants fled, leaving the village to be slowly reclaimed by nature. Today, it remains a desolate place, with a few crumbling walls and scattered stones serving as reminders of the past.

A prime location for adventurers

Despite its haunting reputation, La Lastra boasts a spectacular location promises the advertisement. “A village in ruins, but the location is spectacular. It is the most sought-after tourist area in the entire Community of Madrid, as you can even see the Sierra de Gredos. The properties for sale are 23 plots out of a total of 40. 4,144 square metres out of a total of 6,785,” reads the advertisement which is published on the specialist real estate portal Aldeas abandonadas. There, it does not explain what village it is, but it is easy to locate it by the indications given: “72 kilometres from Madrid. Between Peguerinos and Santa María. Starting price €900,000.” It’s a hotspot for hikers and adventure seekers, with several walking routes passing through the area.

A abandoned village of legends and intrigue

While locals from nearby Santa María de la Alameda remain mostly unaware of the sale, the village’s spooky reputation continues to attract curious visitors. Some have even come to record paranormal phenomena, hoping to capture evidence of the witches and ghosts said to haunt the ruins.

Also read: Discover this cave related to witchcraft