What Nationality Is Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

Madrid is a city that has been shaped by various cultures throughout history. It has been inhabited by Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and finally the Spanish.

So it is difficult to define the nationality of Madrid as it has been influenced by many cultures and civilizations. However, Madrid is now the capital of Spain and is considered to be a Spanish city.

History of Madrid

Madrid’s history dates back to the Roman era when it was just a small settlement called “Matrice.” After the fall of the Roman Empire, Madrid was invaded by various tribes like Visigoths and Moors. In 1085, King Alfonso VI of Castile took control of Madrid from the Moors and included it in his kingdom.

The Influence of Various Cultures on Madrid

The different civilizations that ruled Madrid have left an indelible mark on its culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions.

Roman Influence

The Romans were responsible for laying the foundation of Madrid’s infrastructure. They built roads, bridges, aqueducts, and buildings that are still standing today.

Moors Influence

The Moors ruled over Madrid for over two centuries and introduced their culture to the city. They built many public baths (hammams) that are still in use today. They also introduced new crops such as oranges and lemons to Spain.

Spanish Influence

After the fall of Granada in 1492, Spain entered a golden age of exploration and expansion. Spanish explorers brought back gold from America which helped fund many grand buildings in Madrid like the Royal Palace.

The Nationality Debate

As mentioned earlier, Madrid has been shaped by various cultures throughout history. However, it is now considered to be a Spanish city as it is the capital of Spain and has been under Spanish rule for many centuries. The Spanish language, traditions, and cuisine are prevalent in Madrid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Madrid has been influenced by various cultures throughout history, but it is now considered to be a Spanish city. The city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.