Madrid is the city of music, bright nights, football and museums. Madrid, the capital of the matadors, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the world. This city is the center of culture, commerce and social development of Spain. The city of Madrid is located right in the center of Spain and is in the neighborhood of the city of Zaragoza.
Madrid, a lively and vibrant city that has both Western European standards and a rich culture, art architecture and fantastic nightlife. Since Madrid is the capital of Spain; It is the main headquarters of the government, ministries, institutions, organizations and government institutions. The area of Madrid is 604 square kilometers. This city is the third largest city in the European Union after London and Berlin. The population of the largest city in Spain is about 3.3 million people.
History of the city of Madrid, Spain
Even though the city of Madrid existed before Christ, the first information about it dates back to the 9th century. Unlike other Spanish cities such as Seville (or Seville), Valencia and Barcelona, not many traces of the Roman and Visigoth era have been found in Madrid. Probably, today’s Madrid region was not attractive for these two peoples. Because it was not by the sea and ports, nor was it on the way to the main cities.
In the 9th century AD, most of Madrid was under the rule of the Muslim Moors, and they built a small citadel called al-Madinah there. The Citadel of Madrid was conquered in 1083 by Alfonso VI of Castile. He converted the mosque of that time in Madrid into a church and named it Al-Medina Cathedral. No wonder; that this city has experienced a turbulent history. For this reason, Madrid can be called one of the most amazing cities in the world.
It is interesting to know that Madrid was a small and poor city in the Middle Ages. The development of Madrid as an administrative center began when Philip II moved his court to this city in 1560 due to the geographical location and climate of Madrid. Madrid has been the capital of Spain continuously since 1606. The ruling system of Spain is a monarchy, and the Royal Palace is located in Madrid. But since 1962, the royal family does not live in this palace and lives in the Palacio de la Zarzuela in the suburbs of Madrid. They only go to this palace for ceremonies.
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Where does the name Madrid come from?
There are different theories about the origin of the name Madrid. According to an old legend, Madrid was founded by Uco Binanore (son of the Tuscan king) and named “Metragirt”. Some historians claim that the original name of this city was “Ursaria” meaning the head of bears. Probably because of the many bears around the city that later became the symbol of Madrid.
Some also attribute the change of the city’s name to Madrid to the conquest of this city by the Umayyads. After the conquest of the city, the Arabs called it “Mayrit” and today’s evolved Madrid is the same Mayrit.
The symbol of the city of Madrid
The official symbol of the city of Madrid is the bear and the strawberry tree (El Oso y El Madrono). It seems that no one knows exactly why the bear and the strawberry tree are the symbols of this city. Except that there have been many bears and strawberry trees in the fields around Madrid and they have become symbols of the city of Madrid.
The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree was made by Antonio Navarro Santa Fe in 1967 and weighs about 20 tons. This statue is located in the main square of Madrid, the Gate of the Sun.
Another symbol of the city of Madrid is the Real Madrid Galactic Club. Maybe when we hear the name of Madrid, the first thing that comes to our mind is Real Madrid and its countless stars. The Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid is also one of the attractions of this city, which attracts football fans from all over the world to this stadium every year.
Madrid city weather
The western half of Madrid has a Mediterranean climate and the eastern half has a semi-arid climate. There is little rain in Marid and this city is the driest capital in Europe. With 250 sunny days a year, Madrid is the sunniest city in Europe. If you go to Madrid in summer; Do not forget the sunscreen.
During the year, the air temperature changes from 0.5°C to 33°C. But rarely the air temperature will be less than minus 5 and more than 37 degrees Celsius. despite hot and dry summer days and sometimes cold and snowy winters; Madrid’s climate is mild throughout the year.
When is the best time to travel to Madrid?
The best time to visit Madrid is autumn from September to November or spring from March to May. Both the weather is moderate in this period and there are many festivals and celebrations in the city. Despite the heat, the streets of Madrid are full of tourists in the summer. But it is better to know that the costs of traveling to Madrid in summer are higher than in other seasons and it is very difficult to bear the hot weather.
To escape from the summer heat, especially in August, the people of Madrid seek refuge on the beaches of other Spanish cities. Unlike summer, hotels and tours are much cheaper in winter, and if you don’t mind a little cold; Winter is also a good option to visit this spectacular city.
How are the people of Madrid?
Madrid has always been a city of immigrants and foreigners and is a mix of different ethnicities and cultures. Ask anyone in Madrid and they will tell you that it’s hard to find a real Madrid (Madrileño). Most of those who were even born in Madrid; They had a foreign father or mother. The people of Madrid love music and dance. If you want to get a taste of Madrid’s authentic customs, attend the festivals of San Isidro in May or La Paloma in August.
The main characteristic of the people of Madrid is their sociability. Every day of the week and every hour of the day, you will see people on the street. The people of Madrid are very warm-hearted and you will feel it during your trip to Madrid. Especially on the days when the Real Madrid Galaxy team has a match; In addition to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the cafes and restaurants of this city are full of football fans.
Economy of the city of Madrid
Madrid is the fifth most important business center in Europe after London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, and is ranked eleventh in the world. With an estimated gross domestic product of 133 billion euros, Madrid is doing well economically. The city’s economy is primarily influenced by services, followed by industries such as automobile engines, airplanes, chemical industries, electronic equipment, cosmetics, food and leather industries.
The tourism industry plays an important role in the economy of Madrid. Every year more than 6 million tourists visit this unique city. Madrid Barajas Airport, with 45 million passengers per year, is the 19th busiest airport in the world and the fourth in Europe. Madrid’s public transport system is the best in Europe and among the best in the world. The Madrid subway ranks sixth among the world’s subways in terms of the length of the subway line. Use the metro, taxi, bus and intercity train to get around Madrid safely.
With an impressive per capita income of 45% above the EU average, Madrid is a wealthy and prosperous city. At the same time, the expenses of the people of Madrid are 12% higher than other Spanish people. The unemployment rate in Spain is high, according to that the unemployment rate in Madrid is also high and 10%.
Madrid Airport
Madrid city universities
Madrid is a student city and every year many students from all over the world choose this city to continue their studies. Madrid universities are among the most prestigious universities in Europe and some of them are among the oldest universities in the world. The most famous university in Madrid; It is Complutense University. This university was founded in 1499 AD and ranks seventh among the best universities in Spain.
In its early years, the university had five faculties of art and philosophy, theology, ecclesiastical law, literature and medicine. And during the history, other faculties were added to this collection. The National University of Distance Education (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia; UNED) is administered through distance education. With more than 205,000 students, UNED has the largest student population in Spain and is one of the largest universities in Europe.
Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Carlos III University of Madrid (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid) and Polytechnic University of Madrid (Polytechnic University of Madrid) are other famous universities in Madrid.
Sights of Madrid
Full of energy and full of cultural attractions, Madrid is a modern metropolis that offers a taste of the real Spain. Madrid does not have the traditional charm of Andalusia and the beauty of Barcelona, instead, you can feel the passion and exciting atmosphere in every corner of this city. There are a lot of things to do in the city of Madrid, and surely no one will be bored in Madrid. In these places of interest, you can read the article of places of interest in Madrid. In the following, we have a brief reference to these attractions.
Madridians love evening walks. But we recommend that you don’t walk in the streets before sunset in summer to avoid heatstroke. in In 1992, Madrid was chosen as the “Cultural Capital of Europe”. Madrid is a good choice for people of culture and art. A city full of valuable and interesting museums.
- Prado Museum In Madrid, it is one of the most popular museums in Europe and the world. The Prado Museum hosts works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Botticelli and Francis Goya.
- Royal Palace of Madrid which has an architecture similar to other European palaces; It was built in the 18th century and was destroyed in a fire a few years later. In fact, this palace is a museum palace and its visit is free for the public.
- Great Square or Plaza Mayor It is surrounded by buildings with red bricks. Restaurants and cafes make this square a popular place for a date.
- Retiro Parkis one of the popular places of Madrid for walking. A large and beautiful lake, several museums and the oldest tree in Madrid are other beauties of Retiro Park.
- Alcala Gate It is an old and neoclassical building in Madrid. Alcala Gate is one of the symbols of this city, which was designed and built in 1778.
Reina Sofia Art Center, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Vicente Calderón Stadium, National Archaeological Museum, Plaza de España, Arc de Triomphe, Royal Theater, Almudena Cathedral, San Miguel Market and Cibeles Square are other attractions of Madrid. which should not be missed.
Restaurants in Madrid
Madrid is also considered the capital of Spanish taste. From small local restaurants serving Madrid stew to prestigious international restaurants, they are worth a try. It is interesting to know that the oldest restaurant in the world is located in Madrid. Sobrino de Botín It is a classic Spanish restaurant that was established in 1725.
The oldest restaurant in Spain
This restaurant is officially the oldest restaurant in the world; The fire of its stove has not been extinguished since the first day of its opening. If you go to Sobrino de Botín; From the lamb kebab of this restaurant, which is served with garlic sauce; Don’t be careless.
Address: CALLE DE CUCHILLEROS, 17, PLAZA MAYOR
Working hours: every day from 13:00 to 16:00 and 20:00 to 24:00
restaurant Monsieur Sushita It is the best restaurant in Madrid and among the first-class restaurants in the world. The charming decor, varied dishes and especially the meat rolls make Monsieur Sushita a special place.
Address: CALLE VELÁZQUEZ, 68, SALAMANCA
Working hours: every day from 1 pm to 2 am
Nina’s Pasta Bar It is run by some Italian ladies. As it seems from the name of this restaurant; Italian dishes, especially pasta, are the main menu of this restaurant. Do not neglect the appetizers of Nina restaurant.
Address: CALLE DE SANTA ANA 21, LA LATINA
Working hours: every day from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Closed on Mondays
Although the restaurant Sahuaro It’s located in the heart of Spain, but it’s a great Mexican restaurant. You can dine here every night on your trip to Madrid, especially since the menu prices are so low.
Address: PLAZA DE CASCORRO, 2, LA LATINA
Working hours: from 12 noon to 1 am
Apart from these four restaurants, the city of Madrid has a variety of first-class restaurants to go and taste delicious Spanish food.
Festival and festivals of Madrid
The lively and happy people of Madrid love street parties. On holidays and festivals, almost all people come to the main streets and squares of the city and celebrate.
San Isidro FestivalSan Isidro) It is held on May 15 every year in Madrid. This festival celebrates one of the saints of Madrid and all the farmers of the city. People wear peasant clothes and spend the whole day singing, drinking and dancing.
Dos de Mayo celebrationDos de Mayo) It will be held on the second day of May. Dos de Mayo is a celebration of a historical event in 1808 that commemorates the Spanish rebellion against Napoleon and the French invaders. This rebellion led to the War of Independence and the French were defeated. Dos de Mayo Square is the main venue for this celebration in Madrid.
All Saints Day Festival, La Paloma Festival and Semana Santa Festival are other traditional celebrations of Madrid.
Shopping malls in Madrid
La Gavia It is the largest shopping center in Madrid. La Gavia has more than 70 fashion and clothing stores, 13 sports and leisure stores, 29 health and beauty stores, 28 restaurants, 18 children’s stores, 9 technology stores.
Address: Calle Adolfo Bioy Casares, 2
Working hours: every day from 10 am to 10 pm
Islazul It is the second largest shopping center in Madrid, located in the Carabanchel neighborhood. In addition to the 100 stores in this shopping center; A cinema with the biggest screen in Europe is also one of the attractions of Islazul.
Address: Calle Calderilla, 1
Working hours: every day from 10 am to 1 am
Madrid Xanadu It is one of the most famous shopping centers in Madrid. This shopping center is famous for its skiing and snowboarding. Yes, you heard right! Skiing practice in a mall.
In addition, the watch, jewelry, perfume and cologne stores of this shopping center are also famous and popular.
Address: Autovía A-5, Km. 22
Working hours: every day from 10 am to 10 pm
And finally…
Madrid is a legendary and historical city and it is very difficult to describe it in an article. If you have experience of traveling to Madrid; Write to us. We look forward to hearing your experiences and memories of this Spanish capital.
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