Madrid. Almudena Cathedral. Magnet

Madrid. Almudena Cathedral. Travel. Europe. Spain. Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, the largest economic, political and cultural centre of the country. The city is located in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. A large transport junction (iron, highways, one of the world's largest airports). Madrid is an influential cultural centre in which many international museums are located, including the Museo del Prado, the Queen Sofia Art Centre, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Madrid Forum, which are among the 100 most visited museums in the world. Archaeological excavations on the banks prove that the appearance of a man in the vicinity of Madrid belongs to the era of the Lower Paleolithic (about 100 thousand years ago). However, the mention of Madrid as a city appears much later. It is believed that the city was founded by Emir of Cordoba Mohammed I to protect the approaches to Toledo. The city grew up around the fortress of Magirit, the first mention of which dates back to 932. The fortress "alcasba" was built, separated from residential quarters - "medina". During the Reconquista, in 1085 Madrid was conquered by King Alfonso VI.