Madrid is Spain's vibrant capital and largest city, a metropolis of world-class art museums, grand boulevards, lively plazas, and an electric nightlife that never sleeps. As the Autonomous Community of Madrid, the region combines the cosmopolitan energy of the city with green sierra mountains, historic royal towns, and charming villages within easy reach.
The area now known as Madrid has been inhabited since the Stone Age, but its transformation into a major city began with the Moorish fortress of Magerit, built around the 9th century CE on the site now occupied by the Royal Palace. The city was reconquered by Alfonso VI of Castile in 1083. Philip II made Madrid the permanent capital of the Spanish Empire in 1561, transforming it into a cosmopolitan centre of power at the height of Spain's Golden Age. The 18th and 19th centuries brought Bourbon dynasty patronage, the construction of the Prado Museum (1819), and eventual upheaval in the Peninsular War (1808–1814). The 20th century saw Madrid at the centre of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and the subsequent Franco dictatorship; the city's cultural rebirth after Franco's death in 1975 — 'la movida' — defined modern Madrid.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Madrid.
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1
Before 9th century CE
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2
9th–11th century
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3
1083
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4
1561
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5
1561–1680
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6
1700–1808
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7
1808–1814
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8
1830–1900
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9
1936–1939
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10
1939–1975
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11
1975–present
Historical eras
The chapters of Madrid's past.
Historical sites
Places where Madrid's past comes alive.
Museums
Curated collections that tell Madrid's story.
Museo del Prado
Museo Reina Sofía
Museo Arqueológico Nacional
Museo Naval
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.