Intriguing Diversity of Madrid

Author: mathewsrobb | Posted: 02.08.2012

Madrid has a strategic location at the center of Iberian Peninsula where it can provide effective communication with and to other Spanish cities. It is Spain’s capital that functions as an administrative center while housing the Spanish Royalty.

Diversity

There are currently 3 million residents in Madrid to make it the largest Spanish city in a metropolitan lifestyle. Diverse cultures make Madrid unique with native “madrilènes” and Latin Americans plus other nationalities who have chosen to settle in Madrid; most of these foreigners have enjoyed Madrid so much as to make this city their second home.

Madrid is always vibrant regardless of the time of day or night. There are always active business transactions and a bustling nightlife with the many pubs and bars in this city.

History

Madrid was formerly known as Mayrit. It was the efforts of emir Muhammad who put Madrid on the map during the Arabian occupation of Iberian Peninsula during the 9th century.

Diverse cultures came on with the different influences from different ethnic conquerors although the Arab Muslims and Spanish Christians have the strongest influence on Madrid. Hence, Madrid still upholds the wide and colorful array of culture and traditions with many interesting historical monuments all around it. Royal palaces were built and administrative centers were declared in Madrid until the bloody 19th century Spanish war of Independence from the French occupation.

Since the independence of Spain, Madrid has been declared as the nation’s capital with democratic elections in 1979 and its first mayor being Enrique Tierno Galván.

Modern Madrid

There are about 3 million residents in Madrid’s popular metropolitan district with a total of 6 million in the whole province. Madrid today is a preferred business centre with high service standards offering modern conference and leisure facilities. There are luxury resorts, famous restaurants and top class shopping malls with reliable public transport.

Madrid is a very active center for entertainment with theatres, operas, concerts, galleries and museums.

Tourists flock to Madrid in millions every year plying its Barajas International Airport which is purportedly the busiest in Spain. Its 3-terminal airport caters to both domestic and international flights; it connects to the city center via the metro or tube. Traveling around Madrid is easy with its efficient public transportation .

Madrid has blossomed into an international figure in culture, architectural, leisure and business with its election as the 1992 European Capital of Culture. It is a favorite destination for holidaymakers or business executives for all its offerings.

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