What Was the Capital of Spain Before Madrid?

By Michael Ferguson

Spain has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The country has been ruled by different kingdoms and empires, each having its capital city.

However, the capital of Spain was not always Madrid. In this article, we will explore the history of Spain’s capital cities and find out which cities held this title before Madrid.

Before Madrid: A Brief History of Spain’s Capital Cities

Spain’s first capital city was Toledo, located in central Spain. The Visigoths made Toledo their capital in the 6th century, and it remained so until the Moors conquered the city in the 8th century.

After Toledo fell to the Moors, Cordoba became an important cultural and economic center in Spain. It served as the capital of Al-Andalus, a Muslim state that existed on the Iberian Peninsula from 711 to 1492.

The Rise of Castile

The Reconquista, a centuries-long campaign by Christians to retake control of Spain from Muslim rule, began in the 11th century. Over time, several Christian kingdoms emerged on the Iberian Peninsula.

One of these kingdoms was Castile, which eventually became one of the most powerful kingdoms in Spain. Its capital was Burgos until King Felipe II moved his court to Madrid in 1561.

Madrid: The Modern Capital of Spain

Madrid became an important city during the reign of King Felipe II. He chose Madrid as his new capital because it was located at the geographic center of Spain and had a strategic location for trade and commerce.

Over time, Madrid grew into a cultural hub and an important center for politics and government. Today, it is one of Europe’s largest cities and continues to be the capital of Spain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Toledo served as Spain’s first capital city, followed by Cordoba during the Muslim rule. With the rise of Castile, Burgos became the capital until King Felipe II moved his court to Madrid in 1561. Since then, Madrid has remained the capital of Spain and has become an important cultural and economic center in Europe.