Madrid`s historical center is rich in architectural monuments from different eras — from medieval Mudéjar towers to Baroque palaces and futuristic skyscrapers. The city ranks among the top ten most visited tourist destinations in Europe, welcoming more than 10 million guests annually. They are drawn by world-famous museums such as the Prado, royal residences, a rich gastronomic culture, and the unique atmosphere of the city.
It is not just the capital of Spain, but the true heart of the country — geographically, politically, and culturally. Located in the very center of the Iberian Peninsula at an altitude of over 650 meters above sea level, Madrid is one of the highest capitals in Europe.
History of Madrid
The history of Madrid began in the 9th century when Emir Muhammad I ordered the construction of the fortress Mayrit on the banks of the Manzanares River to protect Toledo from advancing Christians. The first written mention of the fortress dates back to 932.
In 1083, the fortress was reconquered by King Alfonso VI of Castile. In the 14th–15th centuries, Madrid became a meeting place for the Cortes and a favorite residence of the Castilian kings, although a permanent capital did not yet exist at that time.
The decisive moment came in 1561 when King Philip II moved his court from Toledo to Madrid, making the city the official capital of the Spanish Empire. Active construction began, and the population grew rapidly. In the 17th century, despite the decline of Spanish power, the city experienced a cultural flourishing — here Velázquez, Lope de Vega, Calderón, and Cervantes created their works.
The arrival of the Bourbon dynasty in the early 18th century brought a new architectural aesthetic. King Charles III, nicknamed the "mayor-king," modernized the capital, creating the Prado Boulevard with its museums, fountains, and Botanical Garden.
The 19th century was a time of trials. In 1808, Madrid was captured by Napoleon`s troops, and the uprising of May 2 marked the beginning of the War of Independence. The city repeatedly became the center of political upheavals. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, large-scale reconstruction began: the Gran Vía was laid out, electricity and the metro appeared.
The Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 was a severe ordeal — Madrid was subjected to fierce bombardment. After Franco`s death in 1975, the city transformed into a dynamically growing center of modern Spain. Today it is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, with a population of about 3.3 million people.
The Architectural Code of Madrid
Madrid`s architecture is unique in that the city was rarely a trendsetter — rather, it absorbed foreign influences and reworked them in its own, somewhat brutal Castilian style. Here one can trace the entire history of European architecture, adapted to the local flavor.
Arab Heritage and Mudéjar. Only a few testimonies remain from the Moorish past — the towers of the San Nicolás and San Pedro el Viejo churches, built by Muslim craftsmen after the Reconquista for Christian temples. This is the unique Mudéjar style — a mixture of Arab building traditions and Christian symbolism.
Architecture of the Habsburg Era (16th–17th centuries). The best way to understand this period is to visit the Plaza Mayor. Its gray slate spires and brick-red facades became the hallmark of the so-called "Castilian Baroque" or Herrerian style. During this time, brick became the main building material, and modest facades contrasted with rich interiors. The main monuments of the era are the Plaza Mayor, the Casa de la Villa on Plaza de la Villa, and the Segovia Bridge.
Baroque and Neoclassicism under the Bourbons (18th–19th centuries). With the arrival of the Bourbons, Madrid`s architecture became more richly decorated. The Hospice of Pedro de Ribera with its intricate pediment illustrates the evolution of Castilian Baroque towards greater ornamentation. Italian architects Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti led the construction of the Royal Palace on the site of the burned Arab Alcázar.
King Charles III gave the city a true masterpiece of Neoclassicism — the ensemble of the Prado Boulevard with the fountains of Cibeles and Neptune, the buildings of the Prado Museum, the Astronomical Observatory, and the Royal Botanical Garden. The Alcalá Gate and the Almudena Cathedral also belong to this era.
Eclecticism and Art Nouveau (turn of the 20th century). At this time, Madrid did not have its own distinct style, unlike Barcelona with its Catalan Modernism. The main architectural event was the construction of the Gran Vía — a kilometer-long avenue connecting different parts of the city. Here you can find elements of Art Deco, Neoclassicism, and Art Nouveau.
Contemporary Architecture. In the mid-20th century, iconic buildings such as the "Gate of Europe" skyscrapers and the Picasso Tower appeared. In the 1990s–2000s, the city continued to develop while preserving its historical heritage. The general direction of modern Madrid is towards the restoration of cultural monuments and support for the national architectural heritage.
Sights of Madrid
Plaza Mayor. Madrid`s main square, built in 1619 under Philip III, whose equestrian statue adorns its center. Surrounded by three-story residential buildings with arcades and nine gates, it served as a site for coronations, knightly tournaments, bullfights, and even Inquisition autos-da-fé. Today it is the bustling tourist heart of the city with numerous cafes under the arcades and souvenir shops.
Puerta del Sol. The most famous square and transport hub of Madrid. Here are three symbols of the city: the famous clock, whose chimes mark New Year for all Spain; kilometer zero, from which all road distances in the country are measured; and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree — the heraldic symbol of Madrid.
Royal Palace. The official residence of the Spanish kings, built in the 18th century in the Italian Baroque style on the site of the burned Alcázar. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe — over 3,000 rooms, although today it is only used for official ceremonies. Inside are luxurious interiors, a collection of Stradivarius violins, the Royal Armory, and frescoes by Tiepolo.
Almudena Cathedral. Madrid`s main cathedral, built from 1875 to 1993. Unusual in that it was consecrated by the Pope only in 1993. The architecture mixes Neo-Gothic, Neo-Romanesque, and Neoclassical styles. From its dome, there is a magnificent view of the Royal Palace and the surroundings.
Prado Museum. One of the greatest art museums in the world, the jewel of Madrid`s "golden triangle of art." It houses the finest works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens, and Bosch. The museum building is a model of late 18th-century Neoclassicism.
Gran Vía. Madrid`s main street, known as the "Spanish Broadway" for its abundance of theaters and cinemas. Built up in the early 20th century with eclectic buildings, it connects Plaza de Cibeles with Plaza de España. The terraces on hotel rooftops deserve special attention, offering impressive panoramic views of the city.
Retiro Park. Madrid`s most famous park, formerly belonging to the royal palace. Here you can row a boat on the artificial lake, see the Glass Palace and the Velázquez Palace, built of metal and glass, visit the flea market on weekends, or simply relax in the shade of centuries-old trees. Together with the Prado Boulevard, the park forms the "Landscape of Light," included in the UNESCO list in 2021.
Cibeles Fountain. One of the city`s main symbols, depicting the goddess Cybele on a chariot drawn by lions. Located in the eponymous square in the majestic Cybele Palace. It is a meeting place for Real Madrid football fans after victories.
Alcalá Gate. A monumental granite triumphal arch, built under Charles III in 1778. These were the first gates in Europe created not on the site of a medieval fortress, but as an independent architectural monument.
Madrid`s Districts, Palaces, and Other Gems
Austrias Quarter (Madrid de los Austrias). The historical core of the city from the Habsburg era. Narrow streets, hidden squares, ancient churches and palaces. Here is Plaza de la Villa with the Casa de la Villa and Casa de Cisneros.
Salamanca District (Barrio de Salamanca). The most elegant and expensive district of Madrid with a clear rectangular layout from the 19th century. Here you will find luxury brand boutiques, lavish mansions, upscale restaurants, and the famous Castro market.
La Latina. One of the oldest districts, known for its tapas bars and narrow medieval streets. The main attraction is the church of San Pedro el Viejo with its Mudéjar tower.
Malasaña. A bohemian and youthful district, a center of alternative culture and retro fashion. Numerous vintage shops, independent galleries, trendy bars, and cafes.
Chueca. The center of LGBT culture and one of the city`s most tolerant neighborhoods. Modern markets (San Antón), trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife.
Plaza de España. A square with a monument to Cervantes and his heroes — Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Here rise two of Madrid`s first skyscrapers — the Torre de Madrid and the Edificio España.
Basilica of San Francisco el Grande. A huge 18th-century church with one of the largest domes in the world, housing paintings by Goya and Zurbarán.
San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel). A cast-iron pavilion from the early 20th century, transformed into a gastronomic space. The best place to sample tapas, wine, and local delicacies in a atmospheric setting.
Madrid`s Parks, Water, and Special Flavor
Casa de Campo. Former royal hunting grounds, today Madrid`s largest park with a lake, zoo, aquarium, and amusement park.
Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini). Neoclassical gardens at the northern facade of the Royal Palace with fountains and statues.
Parque del Oeste. Western park with a rose garden and a monument to Soviet soldiers who fell in Spain.
Templo de Debod. An ancient Egyptian temple from the 4th century BC, given to Spain as a token of gratitude for help in saving Nubian monuments. At sunset, it offers one of the best views of the Royal Palace.
Unusual Corners and Contemporary Spaces
Viewpoints. The best views of Madrid open from hotel rooftop terraces (Círculo de Bellas Artes, Hotel Riu), from the Cybele Palace viewing platform (Mirador Madrid), and from the 110-meter Faro de Moncloa tower.
Gate of Europe (Puerta de Europa). Two leaning twin towers, 114 meters high, inclined towards each other at a 15-degree angle. A modern symbol of Madrid.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The legendary stadium of the Real Madrid football club, recently renovated. A tour of the stadium allows you to see the trophies, locker rooms, and the field.
Atocha Railway Station (Estación de Atocha). A unique station with a tropical garden inside the main hall. Next to it is the old station building and a monument to the victims of the terrorist attack of March 11, 2004.
Madrid`s Surroundings: Gems Beyond the Capital
Madrid is beautiful, but the true magic of Spain unfolds when you head to its picturesque surroundings. Ancient monasteries, medieval towns, and royal palaces are just an hour`s drive from the capital.
El Escorial. Distance from Madrid: ~50 km, 50–60 minutes by car or bus. A grandiose monastery-palace, built in 1563–1584 under Philip II. It is a symbol of Spanish power and simultaneously the burial place of the Spanish kings. The complex includes a palace, basilica, monastery, library, and pantheon where almost all the monarchs of Spain from Charles V to the present day rest. El Escorial houses a rich collection of paintings by Titian, El Greco, Velázquez, and other masters.
Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos). Distance from Madrid: ~55 km, 1 hour by car. A giant memorial complex carved into the rock of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is crowned by a 150-meter stone cross, visible for many kilometers. Underground lies a basilica, and in the crypt rest the remains of Francisco Franco (until 2019) and José Antonio Primo de Rivera. The site is controversial but impressive in its scale and the austere beauty of the landscape.
Aranjuez. Distance from Madrid: ~47 km, 45 minutes by train or car. A royal residence on the banks of the Tagus River, surrounded by magnificent gardens in the Italian and French style. The palace was built under Philip II and reached its peak in the 18th century. The Prince`s Garden and the Island Garden with fountains, canals, and pavilions are an ideal place for walks. It inspired Joaquín Rodrigo to create the famous "Concierto de Aranjuez."
Toledo. Distance from Madrid: ~70 km, 1 hour by bus or car. The ancient capital of Spain until 1561, the city of three cultures — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Located on a rock above the Tagus River and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see the Gothic cathedral, the Santa María la Blanca synagogue, the Cristo de la Luz mosque, and the El Greco House-Museum. The entire city is an open-air museum.
Segovia. Distance from Madrid: ~90 km, 1 hour 15 minutes by bus or car. A city famous worldwide for its ancient Roman aqueduct — a grandiose 1st-century AD structure made of granite blocks without a single drop of mortar. Also here are the fairytale Alcázar castle, which served as the prototype for Disney`s princess castle, and the late Gothic cathedral.
Practical Tips
When to go. The best time is May–June and September–October: warm, without the oppressive summer heat. In May, the festival of San Isidro, the city`s patron saint, takes place. In summer (July–August) it is hot and dry, temperatures can exceed +35°C, but life spills out onto the streets until late. Winter is mild, and in December the city is adorned with Christmas lights.
Book tickets in advance. Queues can be long for the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and the viewpoints. Buy tickets online a few days in advance.
Transport. The metro is the most convenient way to get around. The network covers the entire city and suburbs. Buses and taxis complement the system. For tourists, the Madrid Card, offering free entry to museums and travel, is convenient.
Where to eat. The best areas for tapas are La Latina, Chueca, and Malasaña. Be sure to try: churros with hot chocolate (best at the San Ginés chocolate shop), squid sandwich (bocata de calamares), cocido madrileño (hearty chickpea stew with meat), tortilla tapas, jamón, and Manchego cheese. At the San Miguel Market, you can try everything at once.
What to drink. Wine (especially local varieties from Valdepeñas), vermouth before lunch, beer (Mahou — the local brand), and of course, sangria for tourists. A traditional drink is leche de pantera (a cocktail of milk, cinnamon, and lemon).
Good to know. Spaniards eat lunch late (around 2:00 PM), and dinner even later (after 9:00 PM). Siesta is a reality: many shops are closed from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Tips are usually left at 5–10%, by rounding up the bill.
Madrid is the capital of Spain, a city with a population of about 3.2–3.5 million people, the largest political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Here, royal grandeur coexists with street art, classical museums with avant-garde galleries, and life buzzes around the clock.
