The district Center of Madrid is the oldest zone of the city, where
the Arabs, in the second half of the 9th century, built a fortitude to
watch the Sierra de Guadarrama. In the surrounding area developed a
small suburb which received the name of Magrit or Magerit. This has turned, today, into the capital of Spain, with each century making its mark on the urban aspect. The majestic architecture of Carlos III and Elizabeth II, and the urban touches of the Austrias now predominate the area.

The Center is the main focus of tourists' attention, which grants it a cosmopolitan atmosphere that cannot be found in other zones of Madrid.

It is common to see all sorts of people in the streets: "castizos"(people who live here for all their life), rockers, posh people, or punks helping an elderly women cross the road.

In this area there are pubs catering to all crowds and tastes, from the "tasca castiza", to clubs where the music never stops. La Gran Via, the 'flagship' avenue of Madrid, is the most popular street in Spain. It has featured in numerous scenes in many movies, such as "Abre los Ojos", "Piedras" and "El día de la Bestia" just for example.

Frank Sinatra may have been thinking about La Gran Via when he was singing " I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps".

All those who feel the same have a place in this area.