MOMENTS IN HISTORY
1. 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, the Muralla Árabe defences (see The Best of the Rest).
2. Christian Conquest
Muhammad I had his fortress built 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, but mosques were changed to churches.
3. New Capital
In 1561 Felipe II took the decision to make Madrid his new capital (previously Valladolid was the preferred city). 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.
Felipe II
4. Flourishing of the Spanish Arts
By the time that Plaza Mayor was completed in 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 a new perimeter wall to be built. Madrid provided rich material for playwrights, including Lope de Vega and Tirso de Molina.
Auto-da-fé on Plaza Mayor (1680) by Francisco Rizi, Prado Museum
5. 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).
6. 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 Monteleón 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.
7. 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.
8. 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, with the city eventually falling to the rebel forces in March 1939.
9. 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 I. The first democratic elections were held in June 1977.
General Franco
10. 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.
TOP 10 FIGURES IN MADRID’S HISTORY
1. Al-Mundhir
According to some historians, Muhammad I’s son was the true founder of the city.
2. Isidro Merlo y Quintana
This devout farm labourer inspired miracles after his death in 1172 and became the city’s patron saint.
3. Felipe II
When in Madrid, the king stayed in the Alcázar or with the monks of San Jerónimo Monastery.
4. Félix Lope de Vega
This leading Spanish playwright was banned from Madrid for eight years after libelling his former lover’s father.
5. Carlos III
Although Madrid’s “best mayor” spent little of the first part of his reign in the city, his long-term impact is undeniable.
6. Manuela Malasaña
A brave heroine, Malasaña died fighting against Joseph Bonaparte’s troops during the insurrection in May 1808.
7. Joseph Bonaparte
Although detested during his short reign as King of Spain (1808–13), he did plan one of the city’s finest squares, Plaza de Oriente.
8. Gustavo Durán
One of the most courageous commanders who defended Madrid during the Civil War.
9. Clara Campoamor
The first woman to defend women’s right to vote, Campoamor paved the way for female suffrage in 1931.
10. Enrique Tierno Galván
A popular mayor, who ran the city from 1979 until his death in 1986, during a time of great cultural change.
Enrique Tierno Galván
