The first inhabitant of the settlements around Madrid where Iberian and Celtic tribes. These settlements date back to 1000 B.C. From 218 B.C. the Roman empire occupied the settlement and uses it as pass through for other areas. After the Romans the region was controlled by Visigoth tribes.
Madrid as a town first appeared under the Arabs. The Arabs built a fortress to protect them from Christian attacks. The next 200-300 years the city was under constant attack. In 1083 Alfonso VI conquered Madrid. All of the Arab buildings where thorn down. The city had no important status in that time. In 1561 Philip II decided to use the city to establish the royal court. The new status attracted many nobles and officials and began to expand.
After the discovery of America, the golden age of Madrid began. Financed by the gold from the new continent the city expanded rapidly. In the 18th century the town changed it's appearance by important constructions such as the Royal palace. On the 2nd of May 1808 Napoleon entered the city. The inhabitant tried to fight back, but without success. In the rest of the 19th century the city expanded more and got the connection to the rest of Spain by building a railway and a road. These still connect the city with the rest of Spain.
At the beginning of the 20th century there was a crisis in Spain that ended in the civil war. In the period 1936-1939 general Franco used Madrid as his headquarter. In 1978 the city was restored as the home of the monarchy. Today Madrid still is the economical, industrial and governmental center of Spain.
The Royal Palace - Learn more about the Spanish history and enjoy the architecture, art collection and all the rooms in this Royal Palace.
Official website: Patrimonionacional.es
Address: Calle Bailén, 28071, Madrid
Royal Botanical Gardens - The Gardens were founded more then 250 years ago, have more then 5,000 live plant species and is still expanding.
Official website: Csic.es/jardinbotanico
Address: Plaza de Murillo, 2. E-28014 Madrid
Zoo Aquarium of Madrid - More then 2,000 animals from all over the world can be found here in the Zoo Aquarium of Madrid.
Official website: Zoomadrid.com
Address: Casa de Campo, 28011 Madrid
