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About Madrid
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Madrid, the capital city of Spain, lies
at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, enclosed by the Central Mountain
range. The city was founded as a Muslim garrison town in the 9th century.
The Arabs build a fortress and town wall to protect their army and
Arab citizens from Christian attacks.
Madrid remained in the shadow of Toledo until the late 11th Century,
when Alfonso VI made it part of Al-Andalus. The city fell during the
re-conquest of Spain in 1110. In 1202, the small town was converted
into an official community by Alfonso VIII.
The city of Madrid became the capital of Spain only at the end of
16th century. In 1561, Philip II decided to establish the royal
Court in Madrid. The town
was soon after declared capital and Philip II started the construction
of important buildings and palaces.
Madrid grew rapidly during the golden age. At the end of the 19th
century it was connected with the rest of Spain. Today Madrid is one of
the highlights of Europe. |
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