Madrid: The Most Spanish City of All The Cities In Spain

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Madrid, capital of Spain, is the financial, economic, administrative and cultural hub for Spain, and much of Southwestern Europe. It is located at the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula. It is characterized by the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. It is a city of great monuments, but it is not just a cultural destination.

It is also a lively metropolis with many pubs, discotheques, nightclubs and cafes open late into the night.

A Little Bit of History

When the Christians began their Reconquista in Iberia, Muhammad I built a castle at Magerit (Madrid), in 854, and thus began a new town.

Gran Via Street in Madrid

Due to its strategic location, the city changed hands repeatedly and it was in 1309 that the traveling Cortes sat here for the first time.

Felipe II chose Madrid as the capital of Spain in 1561 and it took many centuries to grow into its new role.

Carlos III carried out numerous public works and he was the best Mayor the city had ever had. The inhabitants rebelled against Napoleon’s occupation of Spain in 1808, but his powerful military leaders quickly put them down.

The Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid

Turmoil continued as the nineteenth century upheaval was followed by a siege by Franco. After Franco’s death in 1975, it subsequently became a democratic city.

Carnival, Fiestas del 2 de Mayo, Fiestas de San Isidro, Romeria, Feria Taurina, Day of San Antonio, Fiestas de San Lorenzo, San Cayetano and Virgen de la Paloma are some of the popular festivals and events here.