Thursday, October 30, 2014

Don't miss Madrid!!

Madrid is 600 meters of altitude, which makes it one of the highest capitals in Europe. Hot summers alternate with cold winters. The city lies at the center of the Iberian Peninsula. It currently has nearly three and a half million inhabitants.

Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561, under the leadership of Philip II. Therefore, the Iberian city is enriched by numerous monuments: palaces, churches, monasteries ... This abundance is called the Hapsburg Madrid.

In the eighteenth century, the Bourbons succeeded to the Habsburgs. Madrid then experienced a large urban momentum. Artistic commitment rulers such as Charles Philippe III or V results in the construction of new architectural treasures. Monuments, gardens, squares are then Madrid of the Bourbons.

These two dynasties have left us a great heritage. The Spanish capital can only delight art lovers with its monuments, its old town and its colorful streets ??. Capital, Madrid is a modern, cosmopolitan city moving, where there are a thousand things to do day and night.



History of Madrid

To 880, the Emir Mohammed I founded Madrid. Its name comes from "Machra" water source in Arabic and "it" abundance. Initially, it is only a fortress to protect Toledo, a city which then hosts the royal court. Christians seized in Madrid 1083. The two religions then learn to live together in a certain harmony, unlike many cities Castilian.

In 1561, when King Philip II decided to make Madrid the capital of his kingdom, it hardly counts more than 20 000 inhabitants. Fifty years later, the population has nearly tripled. The Hapsburgs ruled over Madrid and Spain until the eighteenth century.

The Bourbons and their successors begin large administrative and economic reforms. In addition, they decided to give Madrid the dignified appearance of a royal capital. The city is, then, an unprecedented development through the French and Italian architects contribution.

After the peaceful reign of the Bourbons, the advent of the Bonapartist occupation is marked by wars, internecine struggles and popular rebellions. May 2, 1808, Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon, was given the throne of Spain previously occupied by Ferdinand VII. Follows a fierce resistance Madrid face the French cavalry. This painful period has been immortalized by the painter Goya.

Between 1936 and 1939, the civil war between the Nationalists Republicans, Madrid defended by the Republican army. She finally makes the nationalists in March 1939, the Franco dictatorship lasted 40 years. During this period, the city grew significantly and gradually welcomes most major state administrations.

In 1977, democracy returned, it is the Movida. Therefore, Madrid experiencing impressive growth.

It is best to go between 01/04 and 30/06, and / or between the 01/09 and 31/10.

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