Get to Know Centro, the oldest district in Madrid
Centro district has approximately 150.000 inhabitants.
It’s divided into six neighborhoods: “Palacio, Embajadores, Cortes, Justicia, Universidad, and Sol.”
This district borders Atocha on the south, Paseo del Prado, and Recoletos on the east. Then Chamberí district to the north and Moncloa-Aravaca to the west.
What to see in Centro district
It is worth mentioning its art triangle and museums, such as Reina Sofía Museum, theaters, and cinemas.
As well as having one of the most popular shopping areas in the capital.
On top of that, three of the oldest skyscrapers in Spain can be found in Centro: “Telefónica Building, España Building, and Madrid Tower.”
Among its points of interest are: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Paseo del Prado, the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Theater, the Prado Museum, and the Bank of Spain. That’s why this area is highly valued by tourists.
When students are looking for accommodation during their stay in the city, Centro District is the most demanded area. Furthermore, it connects with Paseo de la Castellana, which communicates with the financial zone of Madrid.
The Centro has a large space for leisure and culture, not just because of the museums or theaters but also because of other spaces such as the Botanical Garden or CaixaForum.
Its strategic location makes Centro the main touristic district, very well connected by Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana, with a large number of apartments for rent.
Botanical Garden
District Architecture
This district has very old and conservative architecture from the era of “Madrid de los Austrias” that can be characterized by buildings and monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Royal Theater, the main headquarters of the Bank of Spain.
However, in it we can also find skyscrapers like the “Telefónica building and the España building.”
Although these buildings are considered skyscrapers due to their height, they still have an elegant and distinguished touch of the early 20th century.
Among its most important streets, we can find Calle Mayor, which borders Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor.
As well, this is a quiet area and highly valued as a residence.
It is a nice and well-connected neighborhood, as it is close to Tirso metro station (L1), La Latina (L5), and several lines of buses. As well, there are many supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and banks.
Evolution of the Centro District
Centro district is the oldest area of the city, and the first population dates back to the Muslim era in the 9th century. In 1085, the city passed into Christian hands.
Felipe II installed the court in 1561, and then a decisive evolution in the city happened. From that date on, a large portion of the oldest buildings and monuments began to be built. Now these buildings are in the so-called “Madrid de los Austrias,” which belongs to the Centro district.
During the reign of Carlos III, large investments were made in infrastructure, especially sewage systems and public buildings.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city continued growing, not only in population but also in monuments and buildings, such as the Congress of deputies.
The last measure taken in 2018 by the government, and that mainly affects the Central District, is the prohibition of the circulation of gasoline and diesel motor cars, thus creating “Central Madrid”.
Other things to visit near Centro district
If you are in Centro then will be easy for you to visit Retiro Park or Sorolla Museum. From this location, you can start the post about visit Madrid in one day.
But, you also may be interested in some tips for your visit in Madrid or some of the places you should not miss on your second visit in Madrid.
Our closest accommodations
If you want to stay in a great location, please check out our accommodations in Chamberí or Salamanca at “Edificio Escultor”. The apartments are located next to Calle Serrano and Paseo de la Castellana.
It is possible to stay here for weeks or even days, and we have accommodations for different types of profiles. So take a look at the list of apartments for companies or the list of apartments for students.
But if you also intend to be a home owner or an investor then we can help you maximize the profits of your house and get you a Golden Visa in order for you to stay in Madrid.
