THE ORIGINS

The city has its origins in the times of the Muslim Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered a fortress to be built on the left bank of the River Manzanares to defend Toledo from Castilian attacks. There are still many names that are conserved from that period: Puerta de la Vega, Puerta de Moros and Puerta Cerrada. In 933, the city was seized from the Moors by Ramiro II, king of León. The Muslims reclaimed it, however, until 1085, the year in which Alfonso VI finally conquered it. During these years, the population was small but very heterogeneous since it was made up of Christians, Jews and Mudejars.

Charles III, king of Naples, succeeded his stepbrother Fernando VI. Charles III has been one of the best monarchs throughout the history of Spain. He introduced improvements of a different quality such as the construction of a sewage system, the installation of paving on the streets and the first oil lighting system. He also mapped out the grand thoroughfares of the city such as the Paseo de la Castellana, the Paseo de Recoletos, and the Paseos of El Prado and Las Acacias.

In contrast to his forebear, Charles IV devoted himself to embellishing the palaces in which he lived before improving the city.

THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE

The War of Independence took place at the turn of the 19th century. The people of Madrid rose up in arms against the occupying French. This turn-of-century Madrid was where the brilliant Goya lived. Despite the conflicts with the people, the Frenchman Joseph Bonaparte carried out important urban reforms, with the aim of providing more light and open space to the city.

19th AND 20th CENTURIES

With the reign of Isabel II, an urban transformation of a bourgeois and progressive nature was developed in the capital. One of the most important measures was the expropriation of ecclesiastic properties, the aim being to create new streets, squares, markets and other buildings of public use. Due to the continuous growth in the population, an enlargement project for the city became absolutely necessary. The walls of Madrid were knocked down and new districts were built with a squared layout (Salamanca, Argüelles, Chamberrí and Delicias).

During the second half of the 19 th century, under the reign of Alfonso XII, suburbs and towns close to Madrid grew uncontrollably and were gradually absorbed into the city.

The 20 th century saw the creation of the Gran Vía, the aim of which was to relieve overcrowding in the old centre.

The Second Republic tried to lead the growth of Madrid towards the north, extending the Paseo de la Castellana.

During Franco's dictatorship, urban growth continued and accelerated with the economic boom of the sixties. The canalisation of the River Manzanares dates from this period.

We finally come to the Madrid of today, the Madrid of the constitutional monarchy of Juan Carlos I, one of the most fascinating capitals in Europe.

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