I
Autonomous community (pop., 2001: 5,423,384), central Spain.
It occupies an area of 3,100 sq mi (8,028 sq km), and its capital is Madrid . The province extends across the southern slopes of the Guadarrama Mountains and roughly coincides with the region drained by the Jarama, Henares, and Manzanares rivers. It was the scene of several decisive battles during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39). All the national railways converge in the province. The Somo Mountain Pass provides access to the northeast through the central mountains.
II
City (pop., 2001: city, 2,938,723; metro. area, 5,086,635), capital of Spain and of Madrid autonomous community.
Located on the central plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, 2,100 ft (635 m) above sea level, it is one of Europe's highest capitals. The original town grew up around the Moorish alcazar (castle), overlooking the Manzanares River. King Alfonso VI captured the town from the Muslims in 1083. Philip II moved the Spanish court to Madrid in 1561, and in 1607 Philip III made it the official capital. It was occupied by French troops during the Napoleonic Wars but returned to Spanish control in 1812. During the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), Madrid was held by those loyal to the Republic. Spain's principal transportation centre for the interior provinces, it is an important commercial, industrial, and cultural centre. Major institutions include the Prado Museum and the University of Madrid.