Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain, it’s largest city (population 3.1 million) and it’s highest at just over 2,000ft.  Madrid was founded by the emir Mohammed at the end of the 9th century.  It's name was originally Magerit meaning "place of abundant water".  The Moors controlled the area until 1085 when they were conquered by Alfonso Vl of Leon and Castile.  In 1469 the two powerful kingdoms of Aragon and Castile were united by Ferdinand and Isabelle's marriage.  At the time Madrid was just another backwater village but they chose it to be their capital as it sat in the middle of their newly created kingdom.  Prior to Ferdinand and Isabelle's arrival, Sephardic Jews and Moors co-existed peacefully with the Christians in Madrid.  But being fervent Roman Catholics they expelled anyone who was not of there religion.  This was the start of the Spanish Inquisition.  Fast forward to 1561 and a united Spain, with borders the same as today, had become the world’s most powerful empire with it's capital in Toledo.  King Philip ll seemed to like the architecture better in Madrid and decided to move his court there.  And where the King and his Court go, so does the Government.  Successive kings transformed the city into a major European capital.  Today, tourists mostly focus on an easy to navigate historic core, which is where we are staying.

Our split-level penthouse apartment is on the sixth floor.  Thank God there is an elevator.  Also, my calling it a penthouse is a bit of a stretch as it's a very "cosy" space that used to be the attic. However, it is perfect for us and it's location is superb as it's just steps away from the historic Plaza Mayor.

Our cosy living room, dining room and galley kitchen on the main floor 

Our bedroom is located below decks

View from our bedroom window in the early evening light