5 interesting facts about Madrid
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By Larue Deckow
July 24, 2021
Madrid is a world famous city that is often overlooked. Tourists tend to focus on destinations like Barcelona and Seville, perhaps thinking that Madrid is more of a business centre. However, the dynamic Spanish capital has a lot to offer, for all tourists. Known for its world-class galleries and museums, fantastic shopping, impressive architecture and fabulous nightlife, there are many reasons why this city is a must-see destination. However, the Spanish capital is not just about its bars, restaurants and clubs. With its lively markets, ancient temples, small restaurants and medieval ruins, it has numerous surprises in store for you. Here are 5 interesting facts about this unique Spanish city.
It is one of the highest capitals in Europe
Did you know that Madrid is one of the highest capitals in Europe? This is not a question but rather a geological fact.
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Madrid is in fact one of the highest capitals in Europe, with an altitude of 667m above sea level. The only European capital that is at a higher altitude is Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, which is located high in the Pyrenees. We can also mention Kourouch, Terskol, Juf and Trepalle among the highest towns in Europe. Anyway, keep this in mind if you ever go to Madrid.
It is the second largest city in the European Union
Madrid is one of the European megalopolises, with a staggering 3.2 million inhabitants.
The only city in the European Union with a larger population is Berlin, with 3.6 million inhabitants. Before Brexit in 2020, London was the most populous city in the EU, with almost 9 million inhabitants. But if we are to talk about the most populous cities in Europe, we have to mention Moscow and its 20 million inhabitants, London which now has 14.6 million inhabitants and Paris with its 13 million inhabitants.
Madrid did not become the capital of Spain until the 16th century
Although Madrid acquired some importance in the Middle Ages, it did not become the capital of Spain until 1561, when Philip II transferred his court to the city. It then became the de facto centre of royal power.
Before this, the Spanish monarchs used to move their court into their kingdoms, so the capital was constantly changing. For your information, Madrid was founded by Emir Muhammad I at the end of the 9th century and then, in 1047, it was traded to the King of Toledo by Ferdinand I of Castile who had just conquered it. In 1085, Alfonso VI took the city of Toledo, so Madrid was incorporated into the kingdom of Castile. In 1109, the city was destroyed by the Almoravids but it has since been reborn from its own ashes and reinvented itself.
Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world
Restaurant Botin, founded in 1725, is officially the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world!
It is known for its fantastic local specialties like suckling pig, a dish that Ernest Hemmingway spoke highly of when he visited in the 1920s. The secret to these succulent dishes is the original wood-fired oven, built in the early 1900s and fuelled by a fire that has not been extinguished since the restaurant opened. It is even thought that the painter Francisco Goya may have washed dishes in the restaurant when he was young!
You can see the skeleton of one of the greatest Spaniards of all time
Born in 1849 in Puebla de Alcocer in Extremadura, Augustín Luengo Capilla grew to a height of 2 meters, which made him one of the tallest Spaniards ever recorded.
After his tragic early death, his skeleton was donated to the director of the National Museum of Anthropology, with Augustín’s prior consent. It is still on display in the museum today, alongside countless other fascinating human objects. This is a really interesting fact that deserves more attention than is given. Also, you may have heard that « all roads lead to Rome », but it seems that in Spain all roads lead to Madrid. Also, if you go to Puerta del Sol, you will see a small sign in the square indicating kilometer 0 with the 6 main roads that start from Madrid.
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