Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain, was established in the 9th century by Muhammad I of Córdoba. It was originally a fortress known as Mayrit, built to defend against Christian kingdoms to the north. It became the capital under King Philip II in 1561. Throughout the 17th century, under the Habsburg dynasty, Madrid saw significant development, including the construction of major landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor and the Buen Retiro Palace. The 18th and 19th centuries brought further transformation under the Bourbon monarchy, with the addition of neoclassical architecture such as the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace, which replaced the old Alcázar, destroyed by fire. Madrid played a central role during the Spanish Civil War, enduring a prolonged siege from 1936 to 1939. The post-war period was challenging, but the city rebounded, experiencing significant economic growth and modernization during the latter half of the 20th century.

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