Some basic information about Madrid


Facts about Madrid:
  • Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561
  • Madrid’s population reaches 3.27 million (2010)The symbol of the city is a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree (madroño)
  • Madrid covers 505.000km2 of land and is 646m above sea level.
  • Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife
  • It’s the headquarters for Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family
  • It plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors


Short history of Madrid:

Retiro Park, MadridThe grand metropolis of Madrid can trace its origins to the times of Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares River. Later it became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alonso VI in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, the great arteries of the city, such as the Paseo del Prado and Paseo las Acacias, were designed.