The story of why Madrid became the capital of Spain is a combination of political, geographical, historical and strategic factors. In this article we will explore the origins of the city, its evolution over the centuries and the reasons why it became the centre of power in the Iberian Peninsula.
Although Madrid is today a modern and vibrant city, its origins date back to ancient times. It is known that in the area that today occupies the Spanish capital there were previous settlements during the Roman and Visigothic eras. However, the true foundation of Madrid as an important city occurred with the arrival of the Muslims to the peninsula.
In the 9th century, under Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba, the Muslims built a fortress known as Mayrit, which was intended to protect the city of Toledo and serve as a strategic point between the regions of the Meseta Central. Mayrit, which would eventually evolve into Madrid, was initially a place of relatively secondary importance within the territory under Muslim rule.
However, after the Christian reconquest, Madrid became increasingly important. In 1083, King Alfonso VI of León and Castile conquered the city, and it became part of the Christian kingdom. Over the following centuries, Madrid grew in importance, although it remained a minor city compared to other cities on the peninsula, such as Toledo, Seville or Barcelona.
The transfer of the court: The political importance of Madrid
One of the most crucial moments in Madrid's history occurred in 1561, when King Philip II decided to move the Spanish court from Toledo to Madrid. This decision marked the true beginning of Madrid as the capital of Spain, although at the time it was not officially designated as such. From that point on, the city became the centre of political power in the kingdom.
But why did Philip II choose Madrid as the seat of his court? There are several reasons that explain this decision. Firstly, Madrid had a privileged geographical location. Situated in the centre of the peninsula, the city was in a strategic position that facilitated control of the vast territory of the kingdom. In addition, Madrid was relatively close to other important centres such as Toledo, which allowed fluid communication between the different regions.
Another reason for choosing Madrid was the city's neutrality. Unlike other major cities of the time, such as Toledo or Seville, Madrid did not have a powerful political or economic base that could threaten royal authority. This allowed the monarchy to establish itself in a place without local rivalries or feudal powers that could challenge its rule. The small, quiet town of Madrid, with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants at the time, became the epicentre of power for one of the largest empires in the world.
In addition, the city had significant water resources, thanks to the Manzanares River and other nearby tributaries, which facilitated the supply of water to the growing population.
City growth
The establishment of the court in Madrid led to rapid growth in the city. During the reign of the Habsburgs, important urban projects were carried out that transformed the town into a larger and more important city. Philip II, and later his successors Philip III and Philip IV, were responsible for beautifying the city and providing it with buildings representative of royal power, such as the Royal Palace, convents, churches and noble palaces.
Throughout the 17th century, Madrid established itself as a centre of power, culture and economy on the peninsula. The presence of the court attracted artists, writers, officials and aristocrats from all over the kingdom, which fostered a very active cultural environment. In fact, it was during this period that Spanish literature and arts flourished, with figures such as Lope de Vega, Cervantes and Velázquez, all of them linked in some way to Madrid life.
Despite the economic problems that plagued Spain during the 17th century, Madrid maintained its status as the nerve centre of the monarchy and continued to expand. However, the city also had to deal with difficulties, such as epidemics and supply crises due to rapid population growth.
Consolidation in the 18th century: The Bourbons
The 18th century brought about important changes for Madrid. With the arrival of the Bourbons to the Spanish throne, the city experienced a new phase of modernisation and consolidation as the capital. Philip V, the first Bourbon monarch of Spain, introduced reforms that affected both the administration of the kingdom and the structure of the city. Under his rule, new emblematic buildings were built and urban reforms were carried out to improve living conditions in the capital.
One of the monarchs who most influenced the development of Madrid was Charles III, who reigned from 1759 to 1788. Known as "Madrid's best mayor," Charles III promoted important projects to beautify and modernize the city. Key infrastructure such as the Botanical Gardens, the Prado Museum, and the Puerta de Alcalá were built during his reign. Water and sewage systems were also improved, and measures were implemented to improve street cleanliness and safety.
Thanks to these reforms, Madrid established itself as a first-class European capital, comparable to other large cities on the continent. The city continued to grow in population and prestige, and its role as the centre of political, economic and cultural power in Spain became increasingly established.
Madrid in the 19th and 20th centuries
During the 19th century, Madrid remained the capital of Spain despite the turbulent political changes that affected the country. The city witnessed several uprisings and wars, such as the War of Independence against Napoleon and the Carlist Wars. Despite this, Madrid continued to grow and modernize.
In the 20th century, Madrid underwent major transformations. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) had a devastating impact on the city, causing significant destruction and suffering for its inhabitants. However, after the war, Madrid recovered and experienced unprecedented urban growth over the following decades, becoming a modern and dynamic metropolis.
With the arrival of democracy in 1975, Madrid consolidated its role not only as the capital of Spain, but also as a global city. Today, Madrid is an important financial, political and cultural centre on an international level, and is home to important institutions such as the Congress of Deputies, the Senate, and the seat of the Spanish Government.