Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

With a population of 3.3 million, Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the 3^rd largest in Europe (only London and Berlin are more populous), it is also the highest capital city in Europe at 650 metres above sea level. Founded by the Moors in the late 9^th century, it became a Moorish village named ‘Magerit’ (the place of many springs), in 1561 it became the capital of Spain and a huge Empire after Felipe II moved his court there, favouring its central location. Modern day Madrid is one of the greatest cities in the world and its heartbeat is the Puerta del Sol, in the centre of the old city, bordered by the Paseo del Prado to the east and the Palacio Real to the west. There are a huge number of attractions in the centre of the old city and a good place to stay which is right beside many of these attractions is the Madrid Reina Victoria a famous hotel with a great reputation. It would be best to avoid the hot summer months when visiting the city as Madrid weather can be unbearably hot during this period, in fact most native Madrileños head for the coast to avoid the searing temperatures. Map of Madrid.