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The Community of Madrid

The Community of Madrid, whose capital it is also the capital of Spain, is located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, in the extreme south-west of Europe.

With an area of 8,028 km2, the community is bordered by Castilla y León, to the north and west and Castile-La Mancha, to the east and south.

Geography
The community has a mountain range called the Sistema Central, which overlooks the valley of the river Tagus. The capital of the community, Madrid, is located on the banks of the Manzanares River, a tributary of the Jarama River, which in turn feeds into the Tagus.


The community rises to heights of about 650 metres above sea level, although there are areas that exceed 700 metres. There are several places to ski during the winter months in the mountains close to Madrid.

Culture
The community of Madrid is both a destination itself, and a variety of individual places, all unique in their own way. It has been a meeting point for centuries and offers a multitude of attractions: cultural, leisure and entertainment; to satisfy the many who visit the region every year.

The capital city, Madrid, with its cosmopolitan air, and deep cultural roots, maintains its renowned ‘open all hours’ feel. Its famous nightlife has lost none of its vitality and the modernity contrasts perfectly with the old inner city, and its cultural traditions.

Tradition sits side by side with the avant-garde. The door is open to a society that is both modern and dynamic. The Community of Madrid has become the destination for getting to know the culture of Spain.

History
The Community of Madrid, as it is today, is the product of a rich history, marked by the imprint of its peoples and great leaders. Despite there being some signs of prehistoric and roman habitation, it is difficult to refer to the city of Madrid before the period of Muslim rule.

Gaining its freedom in 1202, the city first became the capital in 1561 when Felipe II moved the imperial court from Toledo, where it has remained ever since.

Transport
Madrid has extensive transport network allowing economically priced travel to all corners of the community.

Climate
The Community of Madrid has a continental climate, with temperatures ranging from 0°C and even less in winter, to temperatures of 40ºC in summer.

The climate in the city of Madrid contrasts with the cold winters and mild summers of the mountainous north of the Community.

Rainfall is very varied, although in general and especially in the continental climate zone of the city, rainfall is scarce