Urbanization in Spain: A Historical Analysis

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 in Geography

Process of Urbanization in Spain

Pre-Industrial Revolution

The first cities on the Iberian Peninsula were founded by the Greeks and Phoenicians, appearing around the 9th century BC (Cadiz & Ampurias). Later, under Roman rule, many cities were established (Tarragona, Merida, Barcelona, Sevilla…).

During the Middle Ages, Spanish cities were ruled by Muslims or Christians. Muslims founded new cities such as Madrid and Murcia, and transformed others by building mosques, souks, etc.

In the Modern Age, some cities grew significantly, such as Madrid and Sevilla, which controlled trade with the Americas.

Industrial Urbanization

In the 19th century, cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao developed modern industry. As these cities continued to grow, they were surrounded by extensive outskirts containing industry.

These cities experienced significant growth due to a large migration within the Iberian Peninsula in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, towards major cities: Madrid (manufacturing), Bilbao (iron industry), and Barcelona (textile industry).

Post-Industrial Revolution

Since 1980, industry has become less important, and the service industry is growing.

Global Urban Network

• Great International Metropolises (e.g., New York, London): Cities with the most qualified and advanced workers, political and economic centers, culture, technology, and transportation.
• Large National Metropolises (e.g., Rome, Moscow): Leaders in the urban network of their country, carrying out the most important functions.
• Regional Metropolises (e.g., Cologne, Germany): Less important nationally, but their influence extends throughout the region.
• Medium-sized and Small Cities (e.g., Cahors, France): Perform functions at a lower level.

Urban Agglomerations

• Metropolitan Area: A large city that unifies with smaller cities, where the large city provides jobs and services to the smaller ones, and the smaller ones provide residential areas, industry, etc.
• Conurbation: A continuous urban area formed by the growth of two cities (e.g., Liverpool & Manchester).
• Urban Area: Several large cities that are close together.
• Megalopolis: Composed of different types of urban agglomeration.

Land Use Comparison