Madrid

The capital and beating heart of Spain, Madrid blends world-class art museums with vibrant nightlife, having grown from a small Islamic-era fortress into a major political and cultural hub of Europe.

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Founded by Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba in the 9th century as a military fortress

Became Spain's official capital in 1561 under King Philip II

The Prado Museum holds over 8,000 paintings by Europe's great masters

Puerta del Sol marks kilometer zero for all of Spain's national roads

One of Europe's highest-altitude capitals, at about 667 meters above sea level

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, sitting at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula on a high plateau that makes it one of Europe's highest-altitude capitals. It was founded in the 9th century AD by Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba as a small military fortress known as «Mayrit», before becoming Spain's official capital in 1561 under King Philip II.

From a Small Fortress to a Major European Capital

Today Madrid holds one of the world's finest art collections in its «Golden Triangle of Art» — three neighboring museums: the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía, home to Picasso's famous «Guernica». At the city's heart lies Puerta del Sol square, the official kilometer zero of Spain's entire national road network.

The Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest classical art museums
Retiro Park, a former royal garden opened to the public since 1868
The Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe
Gran Vía, the city's hub for shopping and nightlife

Madrid is famous for its lively social life stretching into the early hours, its tradition of tapas bars and cafés, and hosting Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, one of the world's most storied sporting rivalries. The city is also home to numerous major Spanish and international financial institutions.