Madrid
A beautiful capital and vacation destination

Madrid is the capital of Spain. Madrid is also the largest city in Spain with a population of over 3 million people, over 5 million if the suburbs and urban areas are included. Madrid is located in the center of Spain, and covers almost 400 square miles.

Madrid is a very interesting and versatile destination that every tourist would surely enjoy traveling to, whether it is for a vacation or for businesses. Madrid is the political center of Spain as well as the most important financial center in the entire Iberian Peninsula. Due to its importance and history, this destination has numerous unique and amazing attractions, as well as with many unique constructs. Visitors who enjoy disciplines such as architecture and design will most assuredly enjoy seeing.

The area where nowadays Madrid is located was already inhabited as long ago as in the prehistoric times. Despite this, the first important historical moment known about Madrid as a city dates from the 9th century, when a palace was built by request of Mehmed I in the same spot where the actual Palacio Real is located today. A while after the construction of that palace, a citadel known as Al Mudaina was built around it, and, with it, the first steps into the future city of Madrid were taken.

During its origins, Madrid was inhabited by people from Muslim origins, who built an important number of interesting buildings and religious constructions, some of which can be still seen today. The name Madrid was born from the Arabic term "Majerit," which could be translated as "Source of Water." This city remained ruled by the Muslims until the 11th century, when Alfonso VI of Castile conquered it.

Madrid has a variety of different neighborhoods offering different attractions and interesting constructions. One of the most attractive neighborhoods is the district of Alonso Martínez, where tourists could find the famous Plaza de Colón, the Prado Museum, and the Parque del Buen Retiro. Another interesting place in the neighborhood is the Opera, where, for example, the Teatro Real de Madrid or Royal Theatre of Madrid, and the Royal Palace are located. Also, during their vacation in Madrid, tourists should try to travel the neighborhood of the Gran Via, which, along a large and important Avenue, concentrates many shops and entertainment related spots such as theaters and nightclubs.

One of the most cosmopolitan and exciting areas visitors could see in the city of Madrid is Chueca. Chueca is located in the centre of the city and is known as a very lively area, full of nightclubs, bars, and pubs, which gave birth to La Movida. Another place tourists should not miss when they travel to Madrid is Las Cortes. Las Cortes counts with an important amount of antique buildings and peculiar spots, such as, for example, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, the Zarzuela Theater, the Congreso de los Diputados, and the Plaza de Cibeles – among others.

Madrid is also home to the largest bullfighting ring (Plaza de Toros) in Spain – Las Ventas. March through October of every year, which is bull fighting season, the ring hosts some 25,000 people at every event.