Madrid is the capital of Spain and is located in the heart of Spain and right in the center of the Castillian plain 646 meters above sea level. Madrid has a population of over three million and is cosmopolitan city with a booming a business center and is also the headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Most of its industries in Madrid are located in the Southern fringe of the city, where important textile, food and metal working factories are clustered. Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity and a very lively nightlife.

The grand metropolis of Madrid can trace its origins to the times of Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares river. Later it became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alonso VI in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas of Madrid, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, were designed the great arteries of the city, such as the Paseo del Prado and Paseo las Acacias.

If you are looking for a guided tour in Madrid, Check out this website.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Joseph Bonaparte undertook the reform of the Puerta del Sol and vicinity in Madrid. The commercial street known as the Gran Vía was built as an east-west avenue at the start of the century. In the 1950's the north-south boulevard called Paseo de la Castellana was extended and modern buildings were erected, housing the major financial institutions in Madrid. Remainings of the distant past of Madrid are mainly the Baroque and neoclassical strcutures of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Palacio Real (Royal Palace).

When looking for a Madrid hotel. Have a look at this website.

Madrid Currency: Euro (1 Euro = 1.40 USD)
Madrid Time Difference: UTC/GMT +1 hour