Although the first written mention of Madrid in chronicles comes from the late 10th century, numerous objects found during excavations along the banks of the River Manzanares show that the area had been occupied from prehistoric times. Under Roman rule the area was used only as an area of transit through to other provinces of Spain.

The first important constructions in Madrid, the fortress and town wall built during the Moorish epoch, laid the foundations for the contemporary location of the capital of Spain. Until the end of the eleventh century Madrid suffered sieges and invasions by Christians. In 1083, when it was conquered by Alfonso VI, all Arab buildings were torn down.

For a long time after the conquest of Madrid, the city was without importance in the Spanish Kingdom. In 1562 Madrid was named the capital of Spain by Hapsburg monarch Phillip II and from that time the city charged ahead financially and culturally. Before that, it had only been an unimportant village overshadowed by the medieval capital of Toledo.

The period of greatest flowering took place in the years after the discovery of America. The stream of gold flowing from the New World caused a radical financial expansion in Madrid. During this period the most significant monuments, such as the Puerta de Alcala, the Paseo de la Castellana, El Prado and the Royal Palace, were built.

The beginning of the 19th century, with Napoleon`s invasion, was a period of general decline in all of Spain. In May 1808 the most famous square in Spain, Puerta del Sol, was witness to a popular revolt that ultimately initiated the War of Independence. Nevertheless the economic and cultural growth of the Spanish capital moved full steam ahead.

From that time, excluding the years of the Civil War, the capital constantly improved. Road and railway connections were built between Madrid and the rest of Spain, and the systems delivering gas and light were revolutionized.

Now, Madrid is one of the most celebrated capitals in Europe. The population is almost four million and the city spreads over an area of 607 square kilometres. There is much of great historical interest as well as modern miracle. Its unique atmosphere and inestimable masterpieces were recognized by the establishment of Madrid as the European Cultural Capital in 1992.