Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city with a rich history that dates back to over 1,000 years. It has witnessed numerous invasions, battles and has seen many rulers come and go.
It is no wonder that Madrid is home to some of the oldest buildings in Europe. But how old is the oldest building in Madrid? Let’s explore.
The Origins of Madrid
Before we delve into the age of the buildings in Madrid, let’s take a quick look at the origins of this city. The history of Madrid can be traced back to the 9th century when it was founded by Emir Muhammad I of Cordoba. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century when Madrid became the capital of Spain under King Philip II.
The Oldest Building in Madrid
Now coming back to our question, how old is the oldest building in Madrid? The answer to this question is quite intriguing.
The oldest building in Madrid is actually not a building but a wall. Yes, you read that right – it’s a wall.
The Wall of Madrid (Muralla Árabe) is believed to be from the 9th century when Muslims ruled Spain. This wall was built as part of a fortress to protect the city from enemies. Today, only a small section of this wall still stands near Calle de los Cuchilleros.
Other Historic Buildings
Apart from the Wall of Madrid, there are many other historic buildings that you can visit while exploring this beautiful city. One such building is the Almudena Cathedral which was completed in 1993 but its construction started way back in 1883.
Another notable mention is Casa de la Villa which served as City Hall for over 300 years until 2007. This building was constructed during the reign of King Philip II and has undergone several renovations over the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Madrid is a city with a rich history and has some of the oldest buildings in Europe. While the Wall of Madrid is believed to be the oldest, there are many other historic buildings that you can explore while you’re here. So next time you’re in Madrid, make sure to take a walk back in time and witness the beauty of these ancient marvels.
- Quick Summary: The oldest building in Madrid is not a building but a wall known as the Wall of Madrid (Muralla Árabe) which dates back to the 9th century.
- Other Historic Buildings: Almudena Cathedral and Casa de la Villa are two other notable historic buildings in Madrid.
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