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Chronology Madrid
The Islamic and Christian influences intertwined to mould the city we now know as Madrid and one of the most unique European capitals. The ancient buildings will tell you the stories of Arab invasions, ruling dynasties, Franco's regime and much more.
| Early history |
| 9th Century |
Mehmed I orders the construction of a small palace at the site of the present-day Palacio Real. |
| 1085 |
Alfonso VI of Castile conquers the citadel situated near the river Majrit, which later gave the name to the city. He turns the mosque into the church of the Virgin of Almudena.
|
| 1110 |
In the process of freeing from the centuries-long Islamic rule, Madrit is largely demolished. Alfonso VI moves the border of la Corona de Castilla to Toledo. |
| 1118 |
The first code of laws is dictated in Madrid - the same that is executed in Toledo. |
| 1202 |
Alfonso III dictates a charter on the evolution of the urban society. |
| 14-17th Century |
| 1329 |
The Corte Generales assemble in the city for the first time to advise Ferdinand IV of Castile. |
| 1383 |
Leon VI of Armenia receives the title of Lord Madrid. |
| 1391 |
After a fire, Henry III of Castile rebuilds the city and establishes himself in El Prado - outside the city walls.
|
| 1561 |
Philip II moves the court from Toledo to Madrid, thus moving the capital to Madrid as well. |
| 1601-1606 |
For a brief period Felipe III moves the court to Valladolid |
| 18-19th Century |
| 1716-1788 |
The reigning Carlos III turns Madrid into a modern city. |
| 1833 |
Isabel II inherits the throne and reigns among revolts, political uprisings and confrontations until 1870. This period is also marked by the transformation of the city. |
| 1748-1819 |
The people of Madrid revolt under the reign of Carlos IV. |
| May 1808 |
Napoleon's troops enter the city.
|
| May 2,1808 |
The Madrilenos revolt against the French army. Their reaction has a great impact on the French rule in Spain and France's image in Europe. |
| 1814 |
The War of Independence breaks out. Fernando VII returns to the throne, but remains in power for only six years. |
| 1830-1904 |
Under the reign of Isabel II, the political tension leads to a revolt. Consequently, years later, the Spanish Civil War breaks out. |
| 1875 |
With the proclamation of Alfonso XII as the king there is finally some stability provided in the kingdom. |
| 20-21st Century |
| 1936 |
A military uprising in Madrid is put down by workers' militias and loyal police units. |
| 1936-1939 |
1936-1939 |
| March 29, 1939 |
Madrid is taken over by the Nationalists. |
| May 26, 1973 |
The President of the Government Luis Carrero Blanco is assassinated on Claudio Coello Street. This brings about the restoration of the monarchy in 1979 with Juan Carlos I as king. |
| April 19, 1979 |
The first City Government voted by the citizens is constituted. |
| 1992 |
Madrid becomes the Cultural Capital of Europe.
|
| March 11, 2004 |
Madrid falls victim to a terrorist attack. Bombs planted on several different trains during the rush hours killed 191 people. |