TRAVEL GUIDES DIRECTORY: MADRID SPAIN

HISTORY

According to archeological studies, evidence has shown that humans lived in the city (what is now known as Madrid ) for more than 100,000 years.

However, based from historical books, it was in the 9 th century when Madrid became known. Cordoban Emir Abderraman II constructed a fortress in the city to defend the local people against the attacks from Leon and Castile .

When Alfonso VI conquered Madrid in 1085, the city was overshadowed by the splendor of its neighbor city - Toledo .

During the 1500 s, when Charles V took favor on the city s obscurity, he granted Madrid the right to make use of the royal crown in the city s seal.

However, it was in 1561 when the decree of King Felipe II made Madrid the capital of Spain . This decision was based on two major factors - 1) Madrid is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula 2) Madrid then lacked centers with non-royal power.

During this time, the city grew rapidly enjoying its seat of government. However, its roads and rivers were not yet developed to give way to other areas in Spain . Because of its isolation, Madrid focused mainly on the crown and court.

The Hapsburg rulers were the ones responsible for developing many of Madrid s historical landmarks such as churches, plaza and monuments.

In the early 1700 s, the last Hapsburg king passed away without a successor. Then, the Royal Bourbon family took over the Madrid throne.

When Napoleon gave the Spanish throne to his brother Joseph Bonaparte in the early 1800 s, Madrid began to progress. Although he may be seen as an open-minded ruler, the people stood up against him in 1808.

After this uprising, it was followed by the Peninsular Wars. Then, the Bourbons continued their Spanish throne. However, Madrid is now ruled with a parliamentary influence.

In the 1900 s, Madrid was no longer isolated since railroads have been developed to connect it with the other areas of Spain . Some parts of the city were modernized and small streets were widened.

Madrid continued its progress to a modern city. However, in 1930, when the Spanish Civil War took place, the battles raged around downtown Madrid all throughout the war. The streets of Madrid became a war zone. The city was attacked by Nationalist forces led by General Franco .

The war lasted from 1936 - 1939. When the Civil War ended, the uncompleted projects such as the Gran Via were finished. Modern constructions such as a 7-storey apartment building, office spaces and stores were built. An immense influx of immigrants from all parts of Spain rapidly increased the population of the city.

Around the 1960 s, the economy started to grow and the edifices of damaged historical places such as the Paseo de la Castellana were demolished to give way to modern buildings.