Madrid’s Evolution: From Fortress to Modern Metropolis
The Origin of Madrid
The origin of Madrid can be traced to the defensive positions established by Emir Muhammad I in the 9th century to protect Toledo’s northern border. It served a defensive purpose, with the original citadel located on the Manzanares terraces, now occupied by the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.
Early Madrid
The early city consisted of the citadel, called “Almudena,” on the west side of the medina (city proper), and the Alcázar. In 1085, Madrid fell into Christian hands, leading to population growth and a shift from military to administrative and commercial functions. Suburbs like the area around the Plaza de San Martín emerged. Despite challenges like the 1348 plague, Madrid expanded, and by the time of Henry III, people began settling in the Cava (the area outside the city walls).
Alfonso XI established the Madrid City Council in 1246.
16th Century: A Turning Point
The 16th century was pivotal. Charles I significantly increased the population and oversaw important constructions like the Royal Monastery. The city became a frequent royal residence, and Philip II made it the permanent capital in 1561. This led to rapid growth, placing Madrid among Castile’s major cities. The city limits remained largely unchanged until the 19th century, except for the inclusion of the Buen Retiro Palace and expansions near the Puerta de Alcalá and Príncipe Pío.
Bourbon Era and Beyond
The Bourbons (Philip V, Charles III) embellished the city with the Royal Palace and the Paseo del Prado. In the 19th century, population growth necessitated expansion, mirroring other European capitals. The city walls were torn down, and the Marquis of Salamanca led the development of the Ensanche, giving his name to the Salamanca district. The 20th century saw further expansion north and south.
Urban Morphology of Madrid
Madrid exhibits four distinct urban morphologies:
- Hierarchical Plan: Characteristic of the medieval city, corresponding to the historic center. Streets are narrow, short, and winding, except for Arenal and Mayor Streets connecting the Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. Calle Bailén, in front of the Palace, is a 19th-century modification. This area is bordered by major thoroughfares like Gran Vía, Paseo de Recoletos, and the southern Rondas (Atocha, Valencia, Toledo).
- Orthogonal Plan: A grid or checkerboard pattern typical of the 19th-century expansion. Streets are long, straight, and wide (Velázquez, Serrano, Goya), intersecting at right angles to form square blocks. This area, once home to the 19th-century bourgeoisie, remains prestigious.
- Linear Plan: Found in the northeast, stemming from Arturo Soria’s late 19th-century project for a “Linear City.” It envisioned a central axis with transportation, flanked by houses with gardens and communal services. Only a fraction of this utopian project was realized, known as Ciudad Lineal along Arturo Soria Street.
- 20th-Century Growth: The 20th century saw a somewhat less structured urban growth, though not as chaotic as the medieval area. Expansion often followed major roads, absorbing nearby towns like Canillejas and Vallecas, while others like Coslada, Leganés, and Pozuelo became physically linked to the capital while retaining autonomy.