When Was Madrid Founded?

By Anna Duncan

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a city that is steeped in rich history and culture. Madrid has been a thriving city for centuries, but when was Madrid founded? In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Madrid and explore its origins.

Origins of Madrid

The exact origins of Madrid are not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the city was founded during the Middle Ages. The earliest records of Madrid date back to the 9th century when the Muslim rulers built a fortress on the banks of the Manzanares River.

The Muslim Rule

During this time, Madrid was known as Mayrit or Magerit in Arabic. The fortress served as a strategic point for defending Toledo from Christian attacks. Over time, Mayrit grew in size and importance as it became an administrative center for the Muslim rulers.

The Christian Rule

In 1085, King Alfonso VI of Castile captured Toledo and took control of Mayrit. The city then became part of the Christian Kingdom of Castile and continued to grow in importance as it became an important trading center.

Official Founding Date

Despite its long history, there is no official founding date for Madrid. However, many historians consider May 2nd, 1561 to be the official founding date. This is because on this day King Philip II officially made Madrid the capital city of Spain.

Growth and Development

After becoming the capital city of Spain, Madrid continued to grow and develop rapidly. During this time many important buildings were constructed including The Royal Palace and The Prado Museum.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may not be an official founding date for Madrid, its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was known as Mayrit. Over time, the city grew in importance and became the capital city of Spain in 1561. Today, Madrid is a thriving city that is steeped in history and culture.