Madrid is the capital city of Spain. Located on the river Manzanares, which flows right through the centre of the country and through the Community of Madrid, it is also the largest city of the country. The Community of Madrid is bordered by the independent communities of Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha. The place complements both the bygone era and also has a modern feel to it. People have come from all the parts of Spain to settle in this capital city, thereby enriching and diversifying its cultural dimensions. Read on to explore some interesting and fun facts about the city of Madrid.
Fun & Interesting Facts about Madrid
- Madrid has been the capital of Spain since the 17th century. It is also the largest city of Spain.
- The name Madrid comes from the Arabic "magerit" which means 'place of many streams'. .
- Madrid is about 300 km from the sea.
- Madrid has no beach, although there is a plan to create an urban beach area by the year 2010, near river Manzanares.
- Madrid is located on a plateau that is 650 meters above sea level. It is the highest capital city in Europe.
- Madrid is the political center of Spain.
- Madrid is a major centre for international business and commerce. It is one of the largest centres for finance in Europe and the largest financial center in Spain.
- The international airport of Madrid, at Barajas, is the largest one in Spain.
- Due to its economic output, standard of living, and market size, Madrid is considered to be a major financial center of the Iberian Peninsula.
- Madrid is home to the head offices of a number of major Spanish companies, including three of the world’s 100 largest companies.
- Madrid enjoys more cloudless days than almost any other city in Europe.
- According to FIFA, Real Madrid FC is the world's most successful football club of the 20th century. Their stadium is called Bernabéu, and it is located in Chamartín, in the North of Madrid. It has a capacity of 85,000 spectators.
- Madrid is home to a number of universities, some of which are the oldest in the world.
- Madrid is world-famous for its old cafés, cosy tapas bars and restaurants that brim with life.
