Introduction to Madrid with Clara Nchama
Description Madrid, capital of Spain, is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Curiously, it is also one of the “youngest” capital cities on the continent. This conversation serves as a well-rounded introduction to the Spanish capital to understand its origins, its development, and its standing in modern Europe today.We will begin by studying the origins of the Muslim town, founded in the ninth century, long after other European capitals such as Lisbon, Paris, or London. We’ll discuss the city’s original hilltop fortress, chosen by Moorish troops to protect cities as important as Toledo. We’ll learn about the Medina Mayrit and its essential role in the development of the city as we discuss the walls, defensive towers, and the remains of a possible mosque.We’ll explore life in the city after the Christian Reconquest when the city underwent its first transformation as we learn about the construction of Alcazar de los Castilian Kings, and the first urbanizations of the me