Location
Madrid is located in central Spain, and it is also the capital of the autonomous community of the same name (Comunidad de Madrid). It lies at an average 600m of altitude in the middle of the Spanish central Castillian plateau (Meseta central). Nearly all of the most famous tourist areas are located in the centre of Madrid: Puerta del Sol just in the middle, Plaza Mayor a bit to the south, Palacio Real to the west, and Plaza de Colón to the north-east. Some of those hot spots spread up past the Gran Via, which is one of the main streets in Madrid (the largest one being the Paseo de la Castellana).
Climate
The climate of Madrid is continental: mainly dry and quite extreme at times, with frequent rain in winter. Madrid sees perpetual sunshine and a characteristically hot temperature in the summer, but with a fairly cold temperature in the winter. Spring and Autumn are fairly temperate with most rainfall concentrated in these seasons, together with winter. Spring is definitely the best time to visit, especially the months of April and May. Rainfall occurs sporadically, and snowfall is not something that happens every year in the city, but there is abundant snowfall in the adjacent mountain ranges nearby.
Culture
The culture of Madrid was dominated by its religious and royal history. Enormous, monolithic cathedrals and churches are plentiful in Madrid, as well as medieval architecture, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London.
The citizens of Madrid, who refer to themselves as Madrileños or the more traditional and currently seldom used term "gatos" (cats), live by a daily routine that is heavily influenced by the harsh climate. Due to the typically extreme midday heat, a "siesta" is observed during which some citizens take a break to cool off. Small stores are often closed during this time. Workers and those more afflicted by Western lifestyles choose not to observe this long break and work traditional business hours, which are usually between 9 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. Offices usually close during the weekend but businesses are often open Saturday morning (downtown stays open until afternoon). Most grocers are closed on Sundays, but some major chain and department stores, like FNAC, will be open throughout the day.
Madrid possibly has the largest number of bars per capita of any European city and a very active nightlife; Madrileños are known to stay up until as late as 6-8 a.m. It is important to note that, due to this lifestyle, lodging located near the Gran Via may end up a nightmare for light sleepers.
Madrid has become very modernized as of late, with an elaborate transportation network comprised of buses and the Metro. The city contrasts with some large European cities in that it is extremely clean, and city employees in bright yellow vests can almost always be seen cleaning the streets and sidewalks. Like most large cities, however, there is a substantial population of vagrants and beggars lining the streets.
Madrid is one of the biggest and most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Communities of West Africans, North Africans, Latin Americans, other Europeans, Chinese, Indians, Filipinos and Pakistanis are prominent.
Speak
The majority of Madrid's residents do not speak very much English - the population speaks about as much English as the U.S. population speaks Spanish. Even employees at U.S. franchised businesses such as McDonald's and employees at cash exchange centers rarely speak much English. You can often find someone with a fair grasp of English at larger hotels and tourism sites, but it would nevertheless be helpful to know at least a few common Spanish words and phrases.
Essential Basic Words & Phrases to Know for Madrid
Get in
By plane
The nearest airport is Barajas International Airport, about 15-20 minutes from Madrid. It is connected to the city by the Metro line eight. Taxis from the airport to the city centre cost about €20. In February 2006, a huge new terminal building, designed by Britain's Richard Rogers and Spain´s Antonio Lamela, was inaugurated at Barajas. All One World alliance flights depart from the new Terminal 4 (T4). Work on the Metro connection between the airport (and the new T4 terminal) and the rest of the system has been finished. There is an overcharge of 1€ on the regular metro ticket for the airport line. Bus services run from the remaining terminals to T4 and there are additional bus services running from the centre of Madrid (Plaza Colón and Avenida de América). It is also planned (according to www.elpais.es) that a commuter train line from Atocha and Chamartín will arrive to the airport by 2009.
This is one of the best and cheapest working metros in Europe! Trains are usually regular and on time.
By train
Not only is Madrid the capital of Spain, but it is also the hub of the country's rail network. Major routes include frequent trains to Barcelona on the east coast (5 hour journey), where it is possible to continue on to the French coast, and to Paris to the north with access to most of the rest of Europe.
Main connections between Madrid and other European cities include:
Spain's high-speed train (AVE - Alta Velocidad de España) makes the Madrid-Seville run in two and a half hours. The AVE line to Barcelona will probably become operational during 2007. It currently operates only between Madrid and Lerida via Zaragoza.
Northbound trains arrive and depart from Chamartín station, while trains to Barcelona, Valencia and southern Spain depart from Atocha railway station.
There is more information available at Spanish Railway System Renfe (+034 902-240-202).
By bus
Madrid has eight gigantic international and intercity bus stations. Information on where buses to a particular destination depart from can be found at the Tourist Office.
Many of the international buses, and those headed south of Madrid, arrive at and depart from Estacion Sur de Autobuses (Calle de Mendez Alvaro, Tel:+034 91-468-4200) which is connected to the rest of the city by Metro. Buses to and from Barcelona are based from the Avenida de America bus terminal (Ave. de America), also connected to the Metro.
By car
There are car rent facilities available on the airport, train stations and other main travel sites. Always be sure to have a street map handy!
Get around
Metro
Using the Metro de Madrid (Madrid's Subway/Underground) is efficient and usually easier than using the buses, especially if one is new to the city. Also, the underground tunnels of the Metro provide relief from the sun on particularly hot days. Single trip tickets with unlimited changes within Madrid city (zone A) cost €1,00. If you plan to make at least six metro trips, think about buying the Metrobús tickets which offer a better value of 10 rides for €6.40. You can buy these tickets at Metro stations, news-stands, and estancos (tobacconists'). They are valid not just on the Metro but also on EMT city buses (the red ones), including the night bus network (its buses are called Búhos - night owls). Stamping the ticket one time allows you to use the Metro network as long and far as you like - make sure you stay inside the Metro zone, once you leave it, you'll have to stamp your ticket again. When travelling by bus, the ticket needs to be stamped each time you enter a bus.
In addition to a bus pass, consider buying an Abono Turístico (tourist pass). This pass comes in five versions: lasting 1 (€3.50), 2 (€6.30), 3 (€8.40), 5 (€13.20), or 7 (€18.40) calendar days. They are valid from the date they are first used. The date of expiration will be printed on the back of the ticket.
On Friday and Saturday nights, a night bus service runs on the same routes as the Metro lines once these have closed for the evening. This service, inaugurated in 2006, is known as the 'BuhoMetro'.
Bus
EMT operates the city bus network. A single trip costs €1 (buy ticket on boarding), or buy a Metrobús ticket in advance (see "Metro" above) giving 10 rides for €6.15 and also valid on the Metro. There are special night buses (called Búho - "night owl"). All the Búhos start at Plaza de Cibeles, going to all directions from there. Since 2006 there are also night buses following all of the metro lines and stops, though sometimes they don't stop straight in the metro exits due to the narrow streets surrounding some of them.
Using the Madrid Tourist Bus to move around is not a good idea, as it has no air conditioning/heating, and the temperatures inside can get to over 50ºC.
Taxi
Taxis in Madrid are cheaper than in other European cities but much more expensive than travel by bus or the Metro.
They are widely available at all hours except Friday and Saturday night when they are difficult to catch due to diners and partiers fighting for them. Note that it can be next to impossible to get a taxi when it is raining. Unlike in other European cities, there are few taxi ranks; just stand by the side of a major road or bus stop, and wave your hand for a free taxi passing by. Free taxis are labeled libre in the windshield, and have a green light on top.
Official Taxis are white, and have a red stripe and the flag of Madrid on the front door. The tariff is displayed on top of the car (a 1 during daytime, a 2 during the night, which become 2 and 3 on holidays such as Christmas Eve). Ask for a receipt (in Spanish 'recibo') if you feel the charge is too high - the driver is obligated to give you one.
There are also special surcharges if you go to the airport, like a surcharge for the bags and for entering or leaving the airport. Ask for the written table of tariffs and charges (suplementos) (usually shown on small stickers on rear windows) before paying if you think it's too expensive. A normal ride to/from the airport is about €20.
Car
Transportation by private automobile in Madrid can be very difficult. The Spanish capital suffers from the typical problems of most big cities: far too many cars and not enough space to accommodate them. Sometimes there can even be traffic jams in the Paseo de la Castellana at three o'clock in the morning (then again, three in the morning is early to some Madrileños). The problem is compounded by the narrow streets in the old town, where a lorry delivering beer barrels to a local bar can cause a huge tailback. Looking for a place to park your car can be very time consuming, and difficult if one is not skilled in the art of close proximity parallel parking. Many Spaniards are also lacking in this art, prompting them to simply park in the street, blocking other cars in. If you find yourself blocked in by such a practice, honk your horn until the driver returns, he will usually just be popping in to a shop, and it will make you feel better.
On the other hand, travel by car can be advantageous; going home by car on weekends is, of course depending where you live, usually faster than by public transport.
Bicycle
Riding a bicycle in Madrid is quite dangerous because there is no reserved section of the road for bikers, and drivers are not used to seeing bicycles in the city. This is due to Madrid not being a flat city so Madrileños do not see travel by bike as being practical. The Metro limits the times when a bicycle can be carried on it. However, Madrid is not totally ridden of bicyclists- Madrid bikers can often be seen riding in El Retiro, Madrid's largest park besides "La Casa de Campo" which is bigger with 1800 Ha. Enjoy the nature or do some sport, but note that the parks are considered dangerous after the sun sets.
See
Major Museums The "Golden Museum Triangle"
Sunday afternoons in summer are a treat in the park, where young hippies play bongos and dance.
Other museums
Do
Learn
Work
The office working day starts between 0800 & 0900 and officially finishes around 1800. However it is normal for companies to demand more of their employees and as such most people take a long lunch (1 or 2 hours) and work until 2000 in the evening. Shops and stores follow a different routine with most small shops shutting during the middle of the day (1400-1800) before opening until 2100 in the evening. Bars and restaurants open until 0200 so the city really is 24hrs depending on the business area.
Working in Madrid is subject to the same restrictions and permissions as working in Spain. The salaries are higher than most other cities with the possible exception of Barcelona. Although this doesn´t stop Madrid being the most expensive city to live in in Spain.
Buy
And there is a great number of H&M, Zara, Mango, Blanco stores all over Madrid, with high fashion clothes and accessories at a low price.
Eat
Food in Madrid is heavily influenced by Mediterranean cuisine. The most famous dishes from Spain are the appetizers, Tapas, that are often served at bars and small cafes before a main meal. These Tapas can be almost anything, from French fries to heavily seasoned octopus medallions (and can be very hard on one's pocketbook). A very popular dish, for tourists seeking the Spanish cuisine experience, is Paella, a rice dish that includes a variety of seafoods and vegetables. Remember that Spanish people have lunch from 2:00 p.m. and dinner after 9:00 p.m.
Local specialties
:Including paella from Valencia (see below), fabada (bean stew with chorizo, a spicy sausage), lacón (similar to smoked gammon) and almost any regional cuisine of Spain.
List of selected restaurants
Restaurant chains
If you are not fond of Spanish cuisine, and are staying near a tourist area, you are in luck. Fast food chains have become extremely popular in central Madrid, and areas such as Gran Via are home to several Burger Kings on one street alone. Most international fast food chains have a restaurant in Madrid, including Burger King, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
There is of course the Hard Rock Cafe Madrid (located in the Plaza de Colón) and the Planet Hollywood Madrid (Plaza de Neptuno).
Spain-exclusive restaurant chains
Drink
On weekends, the time to go out for a drink (Spaniards call it copas) starts at about 12-1 a.m., which is somewhat later than elsewhere in Europe. Before that, people usually have some tapas (raciones, algo para picar), have "real" dinner in a restaurant, stay at home, or go to cultural events. Some pubs and clubs close in the morning. It is not unusual to have breakfast (chocolate con churros), thick, melted chocolate with sweet fritters before going home.
Where to go for a night out
The law bans drinking in the streets (although in some areas it is still a common practice) and the minimal age to drink is 18, so if you're under this age, you may not be allowed to go into some pubs.
List of Selected Bars
Sleep
Budget
The national youth hostel association can be found at www.reaj.com. Prices range from €7.80 to €16 per person and night, including breakfast.
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
Due to the proliferation of Wi-Fi routers distributed by the DSL providers, Madrid has a considerable number of unsecured hotspots in the more trendier neighbourhoods, such as Chueca. When using a laptop in an outdoor location always be aware of your surroundings and the location of your belongings.
Cheap mobile phones (less than 50 euro) with some pre-paid minutes are sold at FNAC (plaza Callao) and can be purchased without any formalities. Recharging is then done by buying scratch cards from the small stores "Frutos Secos" -- recharging via the internet or via an ATM does not work with foreign credit cards.
Stay safe
Like most capital cities, Madrid has pickpocket crime. Busy tourist areas are prime targets, but pubs and clubs are not uncommon hives.
Get out
Madrid is both a city and a region in Spain and as such has a number of sights within easy reach. Popular destinations include:
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It is also the third most populous city (within city limits) in the European Union after London and Berlin, and the third most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris and London. Its economic and political importance, as well as its major cultural influence, rank Madrid as one of the major cities of the world. Its residents are called Madrileños.
The city is located on the river Manzanares in the center of the country, between the autonomous communities of Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha. Due to its economic output, standard of living, and market size, Madrid is considered one of the major financial centers of the Iberian Peninsula; it hosts the head offices of the vast majority of the major Spanish companies, as well as the headquarters of three of the world's 100 largest companies. As the capital city of Spain, seat of government, and residence of the Spanish monarch, Madrid is also the political center of Spain. The current mayor is Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, of the conservative Partido Popular.
As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a city of great cultural and political importance. While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. Its landmarks include the huge Royal Palace of Madrid; the Teatro Real (Royal theatre) with its restored 1850 Opera House; the Buen Retiro park, founded in 1631; the imposing 19th-century National Library building (founded in 1712) containing some of Spain's historical archives; an archaeological museum of international reputation; and three superb art museums: Prado Museum, which hosts one of the finest art collections in the world, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, a museum of modern art, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace.
The population of the city was 3.5 million (December 2005), while the estimated urban area population was 5.5 million. The entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area (urban area and suburbs) is calculated to be 5.84 million. The city spans a total of 607 square kilometres (234 sq mi).
Following the restoration of democracy in 1975 and Spain's integration into the European Union, Madrid has played an increasing role in European finances, marking the city as one of the most important European metropolises.
Names of the city and origin of the current name
There are several theories regarding the origin of the name "Madrid". Madrid was founded by Ocno Bianor (son of King Tirenio of Tuscany and Mantua) and was named "Metragirta" or "Mantua Carpetana". Others contend that the original name of the city was "Ursa" ("bear" in Latin), due to the high number of these animals that were found in the adjacent forests, which, together with the Madrone tree ("madroño" in Spanish), have been the emblem of the city from the Middle Ages.
Nevertheless, it is now commonly believed that the origin of the current name of the city comes from the 2nd Century B.C., when the Roman Empire established a settlement on the banks of the Manzanares river. The name of this first village was "Matrice" (a reference to the river that crossed the settlement). Following the invasions of the Sueves, Vandals and Alans during the fifth Century A.D., the Roman Empire could not defend its territories on the Iberian Peninsula, and were therefore overrun by the Visigoths. The barbarian tribes subsequently took control of "Matrice". In the 7th Century the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula saw the name changed to "Mayrit", from the Arabic term "Mayra" (referencing water as a "mother" or "source of life") and the Ibero-Roman suffix "it" that means "place". The modern "Madrid" evolved from the Mozarabic "Matrit", which is still in the Madrilenian gentilic.
History
Middle Ages
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since pre-historic times, in the Roman age this territory belonged to the diocese of Complutum (present-day Alcalá de Henares). But the first historical data on the city comes from the 9th century, when Muhammad I ordered the construction of a small palace in the same place that is today occupied by the Palacio Real. Around this palace a small citadel, al-Mudaina, was built.
Near that palace was the Manzanares, which the Muslims called (Arabic: المجريط, "source of water"). From this came the naming of the site as Majerit, which was later rendered to the modern-day spelling of Madrid). The citadel was conquered in 1085 by Alfonso VI of Castile in his advance towards Toledo. He reconsecrated the mosque as the church of the Virgin of Almudena (almudin, the garrison's granary). In 1329, the Cortes Generales first assembled in the city to advise Ferdinand IV of Castile. Sephardi Jews and Moors continued to live in the city until they were expelled at the end of the 15th century.
After troubles and a large fire, Henry III of Castile (1379–1406) rebuilt the city and established himself safely fortified outside its walls in El Pardo. The grand entry of Ferdinand and Isabella to Madrid heralded the end of strife between Castile and Aragon.
Renaissance
The Kingdom of Castile, with its capital at Toledo, and the Crown of Aragon, with its capital at Zaragoza, were welded into modern Spain by the Catholic Monarchs (Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon). Though their grandson Charles I of Spain (also known as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) favored Madrid, it was Charles' son, Philip II (1527–1598) who moved the court to Madrid in 1561. Although he made no official declaration, the seat of the court was the de facto capital. Seville continued to control commerce with Spain's colonies, but Madrid controlled Seville. Aside from a brief period, 1601-1606, when Felipe III installed his court in Valladolid, Madrid's fortunes have closely mirrored those of Spain. During the Siglo de Oro (Golden Century), in the 16th/17th century, Madrid bore no resemblance to other European capitals: the population of the city was economically dependent on the business of the court itself.
End of Renaissance and early modern Madrid
Felipe V, Spain's first Bourbon King and, therefore, French, decided that a European capital could not stay in such a state, and new palaces (including the Palacio Real de Madrid) were built during his reign. However, it would not be until Carlos III (1716–1788) that Madrid would become a modern city. Carlos III was one of the most popular and benevolent Kings in the history of Madrid. He was popularly known at the time (and henceforth) as Madrid's best mayor. When Carlos IV (1748–1819) became King of Spain, the people of Madrid revolted. After the Mutiny of Aranjuez, which was led by his own son Fernando VII against him, Carlos IV resigned, but Fernando VII's reign would be short: in May 1808 Napoleon's troops entered the city. On May 2, 1808 (Spanish: Dos de Mayo) the Madrileños revolted against the invading French army, whose harsh reaction would have a lasting impact on French rule in Spain and France's image in Europe in general.
After the war of independence (1814) Fernando VII came back to the throne, but soon after, a liberal military revolution, Colonel Riego made the King swear allegiance to Spain's new (and first) Constitution. This would start a period where liberal and conservative governments alternated in power, that would end with the enthronement of Isabel II (1830–1904).
The 20th century in Madrid
Isabel II could not suppress the political tension that would lead to yet another revolt, the First Spanish Republic, and the return of the monarchy, which eventually led to the Second Spanish Republic and the Spanish Civil War. During this war (1936–1939) Madrid was one of the most affected cities of Spain and its streets became battlegrounds. Madrid was a stronghold of the Republicans from July 1936. Its western suburbs were the scene of an all-out battle in November 1936. It was during the Civil War that Madrid became the first city to be bombed by airplanes specifically targeting civilians in the history of warfare. (See Siege of Madrid (1936-39)).
During the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, especially during the 1960s, the south of Madrid became very industrialized and there were massive migrations from rural environments into the city. Madrid's south-eastern periphery became an extensive working class settlement, which was the base for an active cultural and political reform.
After the death of Franco, emerging democratic parties (including those of left-wing and republican ideology) accepted Franco's wishes of being succeeded by Juan Carlos I - in order to secure stability and democracy - which led Spain to its current position as constitutional monarchy.
Befitting from the prosperity it gained in the 1980s, the capital city of Spain has consolidated its position as the leading economic, cultural, industrial, educational, and technological center on the Iberian peninsula.
21st century
Geography
Despite the existence of a great city of 5 million people, the Community of Madrid still retains some remarkably unspoiled and diverse habitats and landscapes. Madrid is home to mountain peaks rising above 2,000m, holm oak dehesas and low lying plains. The slopes of Guadarrama are cloaked in dense forests of Scots Pine and Pyrenean oak. The Lozoya Valley supports a large black (monk) vulture colony, and one of the last bastions of the Spanish Imperial Eagle in the world is found in the Park Regional del Suroeste in dehesa hills between the Gredos and Guadarrama ranges. The recent possible detection of the existence of Iberian lynx in the area between the Cofio and Alberche rivers is testament to the biodiversity of the area. However, much of this is currently under threat as the Spanish capital continues to sprawl ever outwards and upwards into the Sierra, fueled by speculation, yuppie dreams of Anglo-American lifestyles in detached homes and the policies of the regional government.
When looking at a map of the Province of Madrid, it can be seen that it is almost an equilateral triangle, in whose center would be the city. It seems that Madrid's geographic limits turn out to be those of nature: on the western side the "Sistema Central" (the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains), the south represents the desire to include (the Royal Site of) Aranjuez and finally the eastern edge of the triangle comes from the rupture of the fluvial river basins.
Province of Madrid occupies a surface area of approximately 8,028 km² (1.6% of all Spanish territory). Being more specific the exact position of Madrid is 3º 40´ of longitude west of Greenwich, England and 40º 23´ north of the equator.
Practically all of the Province is located between 600 and 1,000 m above sea level, with the highest point being Peñalara at 2,430 m and the lowest Alberche river in Villa del Prado at 430m. Other considerable heights, as well as being famous, are the Ball of the World mountain (la Bola del Mundo), in Navacerrada, at a height of 2,258m and the seven peaks, in Cercedilla, at 2,138m.
Climate
The region of Madrid has a temperate Mediterranean climate with cold winters with temperatures that sometimes drop below 0 °C (32 °F). Summer tends to be warm with temperatures that consistently surpass 30 °C (86 °F) in July and that can often reach 40 °C (104 °F). Due to Madrid's high altitude and dry climate, nightly temperatures tend to be cooler, leading to a lower average in the summer months. Precipitation levels are low, but precipitation can be observed all throughout the year. Summer and winter are the driest seasons, with most rainfall occurring in the autumn and spring.
Madrid is home to Real Madrid, the world's most successful football club in the 20th Century (according to FIFA), which plays in the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Its hometown rival, Atlético Madrid, is also well supported in the city, and its supporters are called los sufridores, the sufferers. The players are referred to as colchoneros, mattresses, in reference to the teams red & white jerseys having been determined by mattress material being the cheapest at the time of the clubs formation. Madrid's contribution to the sport is further noticed by the fact that it hosted the 1982 FIFA World Cup final.
The city is also host to two basketball teams in the Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB league), and the Circuito Permanente Del Jarama, a motorsport race circuit which formerly hosted the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix.
Historically the city serves as the last stage of the Vuelta a España cyclist classic in the same way as Paris does in the Tour de France.
Skiing is possible in the nearby mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama, where the ski resorts of Valdesqui and Navacerrada are located.
Local festivities
Universities
Madrid is home to a large number of universities, many of which are well considered among international community. Some of them are among the oldest in the world.
The Complutense University of Madrid is the most prestigious, and largest, public university in Spain and one of the oldest universities in the world. It has 10,000 staff members and a student population of 117,000. It is located on two campuses, in the university quarter Ciudad Universitaria at Moncloa in Madrid, and in Somosaguas. The Complutense University of Madrid was founded in Alcala de Henares, old Complutum, by Cardinal Cisneros in 1499. Nevertherless, its real origin dates back from 1293, when King Sancho IV of Castille built the General Schools of Alcalá, which would give rise to Cisnero's Complutense University. During the course of 1509-1510 five schools were already operative: Artes y Filosofía (Arts & Philosophy), Teología (Theology), Derecho Canónico (Canonical Laws), Letras (Liberal Arts) and Medicina (Medicine). In 1836, during the reign of Isabel II, the University was moved to Madrid, where it took the name of Central University and was located at San Bernardo Street. Subsequently, in 1927, a new university area was planned to be built in the district of Moncloa-Aravaca, in lands handed over by the King Alfonso XIII to this purpose. The Spanish Civil War turned the "Ciudad Universitaria" into a war zone, causing the destruction of several schools in the area, as well as the loss of part of its rich scientific, artistic and bibliographic heritage.
In 1970 the Government reformed the High Education, and the Central University become the Complutense University of Madrid. It is then when the new campus at Somosaguas is created in order to house the new School of Social Sciences. The old Alcala campus was reopened as an independent University (University of Alcalá in 1977).
Another important university is the Autonoma, perhaps Spain's best university for research along with Complutense, was instituted under the leadership of the famous physicist, Nicolás Cabrera. The Autonoma is widely recognised for its research strengths in theoretical physics. Known simply as la Autónoma in Madrid, its main site is the Cantoblanco Campus, situated 15 kilometers to the north of the capital (M-607) and close to the municipal areas of Madrid, namely Alcobendas, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Tres Cantos and Colmenar Viejo.
Located on the main site are the Rectorate building and the Faculties of Science, Philosophy and Fine Arts, Law, Economic Science and Business Studies, Psychology, Higher School of Computing Science and Engineering, and the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education. The Medical School is sited outside the main site and beside the Hospital Universitario La Paz.
Other local universities, among many others, are the Politécnica, as the result of merging the different Technical Schools of Engineering; the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, founded in 1499; the Carlos III, whose philosophy is to create responsible free-thinking people with a sensitivity to social problems and an involvement in the concept of progress based on freedom, justice and tolerance and the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, involved in a number of academic exchange programmes, work practice schemes and international projects with over 200 Higher Education Institutions in Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia.
Transportation
Air
Madrid is served by Barajas International Airport. Barajas is the main hub of Iberia Airlines. It consequently serves as the main gateway to the Iberian peninsula from Europe, America and the rest of the world. Current passenger volumes range upwards of 40 million passengers per year, putting it in the top 20 busiest airports in the world. Given annual increases of 10%, a new fourth terminal has been constructed. The new Terminal 4 is the biggest European airport terminal. It has significantly reduced delays and doubled the capacity of the airport to more than 70 million passengers per year. Two additional runways have also been constructed, making Barajas a fully operational four-runway airport.
National Rail
Spain's railway system, the Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles (Renfe) operates the vast majority of Spain's railways. In Madrid, the main rail terminals are Atocha in the south and Chamartín in the north.
The crown jewel of Spain's next decade of infrastructure construction is the Spanish high speed rail network, Alta Velocidad Española AVE. Currently, an ambitious plan includes the construction of a 7,000 kilometre (4,350 mi) network, centered on Madrid. The overall goal is to have all important provincial cities be no more than 4 hours away from Madrid, and no more than 6 hours away from Barcelona. As of 2005, AVE high-speed trains link Atocha station to Seville (to be extended to Málaga in 2007) and Toledo in the south and to Zaragoza and Tarragona in the east (to be extended to Barcelona at the end of 2007).
Metro
Serving the city's population of some six million, the Madrid Metro is one of the most extensive and fastest-growing metro networks in the world. With the addition of a loop serving suburbs to Madrid's south-west "Metrosur", it is now the second largest metro system in Western Europe, second only to London's Underground. In May 2007, Madrid's metro system will be expanded and it will have more than 280 kilometres (175 mi). The province of Madrid is also served by an extensive commuter rail network called Cercanías.
See also
References
External links
