The capital of Spain, Madrid, is the third largest European city. The first two places are taken by London and Berlin. There are several legends about how Madrid got its name. The most famous one says that the name of the city originates from the word “madroño”, which means the arbutus plant or madrone, which exists in Spain in every step and it is painted in the coat of arms of the city. From 852 to 886, a Moorish fortification known as Alcazar was built on the site of the royal palace today. This fortification was originally called Magerit, from 939 it was called Madshrit, and from 1038 it was called Madrid.
On the banks of the Manzanares River on which the city lies, wars have been fought for centuries over the rule of this royal soil. The Ottomans entered Madrid, so the Arab walls have been preserved to this day, as witnesses of turbulent history. In 1309, a meeting of the Castilian City Parliament was held in Madrid for the first time, headed by Ferdinand IV. This parliament lasted for several centuries, so sessions were held in 1561 and 1588, but from a famous city called Toledo, not far from Madrid. Philip II was the head of the parliament at that time, and during his time, the great rise of the city began.
Madrid has always been the capital of Spain, except between 1601 and 1606. One part of Madrid was built by the Habsburgs, so that part of the city is today called "Austrian Madrid" or "Madrid of the Austrians". During the rule of the Habsburgs, some important landmarks were built: Puerta del Sol, Descalzas Reales, Palacio de Uceda, Plaza de la Villia, Plaza Mayor, the famous Spanish square, but also the Cathedral of San Isidro.
In the first 13 years of the 18th century, Spain was at war, and later the country was ruled by the English and the Portuguese. At the beginning of the 19th century, Madrid was ruled by the French, under the ruler Joseph Bonaparte, the older brother of the famous Napoleon Bonaparte, who built triumphal arches wherever he came to power. Joseph Bonaparte was not loved among the Madrilenians, so his reign did not last long. He demolished an entire city district and monastery to make a square, and uprisings were often raised against him and his wife. From 1833 for the next 43 years, Spain was under a long war, followed by a cholera epidemic. Spain first became a republic in 1873, during the dictatorship of Emilio Castelar, and the military dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera started in 1923. The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed on April 14 1931 in Madrid.
The Spanish Civil War was fought from 1936 to 1939, where Madrid was badly damaged by German and Italian bombs. After the Spanish Civil War, the dictatorship of Francisco Franco lasted until 1975. During his dictatorship, students protested en masse and often. The capital of Spain has attracted immigrants from all over the world throughout its history. Madrid recorded the largest increase in population between 1940 and 1970.
Tenerife is a magnificent island of volcanic origin that belongs to the Canary Islands. Often called the island of eternal spring, Tenerife is an ideal place for a year-round vacation. From the amazing volcanic beaches characterized by black sand, popular beaches such as Las Americas, to the endless Mount Teide with the highest peak in Spain - 3718 meters. It is easy to fall in love with this island.
Gran Canaria is surely one of the last remaining European Paradise islands, situated in the Atlantic Ocean, some 200km away from the coast of Africa. It is the third largest of the Canary Islands, neighbored by Fuerteventura and Tenerife. The capital, Las Palmas, is situated in the northeast of the island. Gran Canaria is the island of contrasts, bursting with culture, an unbelievably beautiful coast and spectacular sunny beaches, the perfect destination all year round. From its cold climate in the north, to the sunny south, this perfect holiday island has everything even the most demanding traveler would wish for: a great specter of climates, lush forests, exotic flora and fauna, volcanic craters, as well as a strange sediment of snow at the highest peaks.
Madrid is considered one of the largest cities in Europe with 3.2 million inhabitants, it is the third city in the European Union. It is located 665 meters above sea level, which makes it the city with highest altitude in Europe. It is located on the banks of the small river Manzanares, and northwest of the city rises the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain. Its climate is continental, winters are short and cold, usually without precipitation, while summers are very warm. Everyone has at least once wished to visit the capital of Spain, and that desire will become even greater and more pronounced through our written guide. Madrid is a modern city with an old soul. It houses over 2.000 monuments and 90 museums that tell the story of the history and art of this city. You will get to know the historical figures and the art scene that raised this city as it is today.
Barcelona is a beautiful city that can offer you numerous cultural experiences and amazing beaches that are only a few minutes walk from the city center. The architecture of Barcelona will delight you. Many great painters and artists have created in this city and their influence is evident today in Barcelona and around the world. Here we primarily mean Picasso and Miro. While on the beach you can try some of the best seafood the Mediterranean has to offer, and there are many great restaurants and bars offering tapas. Barcelona is the largest Mediterranean city with 1.7 million inhabitants.
Seville is the capital of the province of Andalusia in Spain. It is the main cultural center of Spain. About 700,000 inhabitants live in Seville and it is considered a metropolis, which is in 4th place, after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Today we call Seville the place where the popular bullfight takes place, Don Juan was born in Seville, the best Spanish tapas are eaten here and the most famous Spanish opera "The Barber of Seville" is watched, and visitors admire its beautiful Moorish architecture. Seville is one of the main commercial centers of Spain, but it is also an important seat of the diocese.
