Birth of a City

The first inhabitants of Madrid were Muslim soldiers under the command of Muhammad I. The founding of the city is usually dated to AD 852 when a fortress (alcázar) was built on the escarpment now occupied by the Palacio Real. Few traces of this early settlement survive, apart from a small section of the city wall (see Best of the Rest).

Christian Conquest

Muhammad I had built his fortress to guard against attack from northern Christian armies and to protect the important city of Toledo. In 1083 Toledo fell and the alcázar of Madrid was surrendered without a fight. The new Christian settlers lived harmoniously with their Arab neighbours (although mosques were converted into churches).

New Capital

In 1561 Felipe II took the decision to make Madrid his new capital (previously Valladolid had been preferred). The central location and proximity to other royal residences were determining factors. Madrid was still a small, squalid town of 9,000 inhabitants – one of the king’s first decisions was to transform the old marketplace outside the walls into a public square, now Plaza Mayor.

Golden Age

By the time the Plaza Mayor was completed (1619) Madrid’s population had swollen to around 85,000. Courtiers, noblemen, clerics, and criminals descended on the city, leading to such overcrowding that Felipe IV ordered the building of a new perimeter wall. Madrid provided rich material for the playwrights of Spain’s Golden Age including Lope de Vega and Tirso de Molina.

Mayor King

Madrid thrived during the reign of Carlos III (1759–88). He gave the city magnificent gateways such as the Puerta de Alcalá and imposing thoroughfares such as the Paseo del Prado. Streets were paved and lit, sewers were dug and nightwatchmen introduced. He became known as El Rey-Alcalde (the Mayor King).

Insurrection

On 2 May 1808, two months after a French army occupied the city, the people of Madrid rose in revolt. Fierce street battles were fought, while the troops of the Monteléon barracks mutinied in support of the rebels. But within a few hours, the insurrection had been crushed and the leaders were executed by firing squad.

Re-Awakening

In 1919 Alfonso XIII opened Madrid’s first metro line and the city was – literally – on the move again, after decades of inertia. Whole streets were demolished to make way for the Gran Vía’s bars and restaurants and Calle de Alcalá became the heart of a new financial district.

Madrid Under Siege

Three months into the Spanish Civil War General Franco’s Nationalist army surrounded Madrid. Republican resistance was fierce and the siege dragged on for two and a half years, the city finally falling to the rebels in March 1939.

Death of Franco

After ruling Spain with an iron fist for 36 years, General Franco died in November 1975, leaving power in the hands of his designated successor, Prince (later King) Juan Carlos. The first democratic elections were held in June 1977.

Tejero’s Coup

On 23 February 1981 Franco loyalists under Colonel Antonio Tejero attempted a coup. Tejero forced his way into the parliament building, firing shots into the air. The conspiracy collapsed when the king confirmed that the army had remained loyal.

Al Mundhir

According to some historians, Muhammed I’s son was the true founder the city.

Isidro Merlo y Quintana

This devout farm labourer inspired miracles after his death in 1172 and became the city’s patron saint (San Isidro).

Felipe II

When in Madrid the king stayed in the Alcázar or with the monks of San Jerónimo monastery.

Félix Lope de Vega

Spain’s greatest playwright was banned from Madrid for eight years after libelling the father of his former lover.

Carlos III

Madrid’s “best mayor” spent little of the first part of his reign in the city, but his longterm impact is undeniable.

Luis Daoíz

With Pedro Velarde, Daoíz led the insurrection against the French in 1808 and died in the fighting.

Joseph Bonaparte

Detested during his short reign as King of Spain (1808–12), he did plan one of the city’s finest squares, Plaza de Oriente.

Gustavo Durán

One of the most courageous commanders defending Madrid during the Civil War.

Francisco Franco

Statues around the city that once honoured the former dictator have all been removed.

Enrique Tierno Galván

Madrid’s most popular mayor (elected 1979) embraced the movida (see People and Places of La Movida).