Medina Mayrit: The Origins of Madrid

Ana Ruiz visits the monuments, architecture and archeological remains of early Madrid, tracing its evolution up until the Christian conquest in the late 11th century. This history gives special emphasis to Madrid's Moorish origins, while savoring the piquant blend of Celtiberian, Roman, and Visigoth elements that give it such a distinctive style. Now the capital of Spain, Madrid was originally founded as a modest fortress intended to protect nearby Toledo. It had just a small military popul...