Madrid is a diverse and exciting capital city. The third most populous city in Europe, Spain’s capital is known for its blending of modern, urban energy with traditional architecture and style. Visitors will find attractive weather year-round and incredible Spanish cuisine. Madrid is proud of its history and has preserved a number of sites, such as those in the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor.
The name “Madrid” has several origin theories. One legend suggestes the city was originally named “Metragirta” or “Mantua Carpetana” after its founder, Ocno Bianor. Bianor was a son of the King of Mantua and Tuscany. A competing theory argues that Madrid was originally named “Ursaria” from the Latin for “Land of Bears.” Since the Middle Ages the bear has been an icon of the city along with the Madroño or strawberry tree.
The most likely theory dates the origin of the name back to the second century B.C.E. At that time the Roman Empire had a settlement on the Manzanares River known as “Matrice” which referred to the intersection of the settlement and the river. When Islamic forces conquered the territory in the 7th century they changed the name to “Mayrit” for the Arabic word “Mayra” meaning “giver of life” (another reference to the river) combined with the Ibero-Roman suffix meaning “place” which was “it.” This evolved to “Matrit” and then to “Madrid.”
When visiting Madrid, travelers will want to soak in some of the beautiful architecture the city has to offer. Check ou the Royal Palace, the Teatro Real Opera House, and the Cathedral de la Almudena for starters. The Alcala Gate is another popular destination as is the Las Ventas bullring. There are a number of five star Madrid hotels available as well as traditional hostels. Be sure to sample the many local restaurants as well as the many taverns, pubs and bars that make Madrid’s nightlife famous.
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