Madrid

In 1561, Madrid becomes the capital of Spain under the reign of Philippe II. He adopts this city for reasons that are as much strategic and diplomatic as personal. This choice is surprising, because the city that at the time carries the Arabian name of Mâjrit is badly situated in a sandy and relatively unfertile region. But the king has particular reasons for laying his claim on this place. Madrid is indeed very close to the Palace of the Escorial, his grand architectural project, and thus he wishes to be able to direct the works in progress. Indeed, Philip II won a decisive victory in 1557 in St. Quentin on the day of the San Lorenzo festival and vowed to erect a Palace in the honour of the Saint. This is why he wanted the Escorial to adopt a plan in the shape of a grill in reference to the instrument that served for the torment of San Lorenzo. In contrast to Versailles, erected one century later, the palace of Philip II is an austere residence.
The King desires great simplicity, with a spirit of purity and timelessness and even prefers to surround himself with little-known architects in order to avoid any contradiction. The Palace of the Escorial is of oblong form, and its construction as much as its way of life is more reminiscent of a monastery than a castle. Wishing in the same way to establish a permanent capital to house the administration, the King therefore turns to Madrid, which is close to the Escorial and also the nerve centre of the peninsula.
But Philippe II must impose it as the capital of the kingdom and this task is not easy. Compared to Seville or Valladolid, which already have the appearance of capitals, Madrid is at the time completely artificial. The Spanish remain to be convinced especially since the city only owes its existence to the presence of the King and his entourage. His will and determination will finally triumph and the city is going to develop rapidly. Its ascension is even spectacular and succeeds in amazing the people who soon describe it as “ The Spanish Babylon ”. It is true that in half a century the population has increased tenfold and exceeds 100,000 inhabitants. But Seville at the time already has 150,000 and Naples more than 200,000! In the 17th century, although Madrid has been the capital for one hundred years, it can still only justify its importance by the presence of the Kings and the Court.
In 1680 the Marquis de Villars, French ambassador to Madrid, describes the city in these terms:
Although Madrid is heavily populated, nevertheless there are few bourgeois. The King's household, the courtiers, the large number of councils, courts and dependents, and an extraordinary number of convents of both sexes, is what makes the greatest part of the city. Beyond that, there are only a few craftsmen for the essential needs and some merchants.
But the implantation of the capital is no longer disputed, and it gradually benefits from the economic crisis that hits Seville when the gold of the Americas ceases to flow on the banks of the Guadalquivir.