The capitals of Spain throughout history

Spain hasn’t always had Madrid as its capital — in fact, the capital moved several times throughout history.
Toledo, Valladolid, Seville and other cities were once the political heart of the country.
Why did the capital change? What periods did each city lead Spain, and what was happening at that time?

In this article, you will find all the historical capitals of Spain, with dates, context and interesting facts that bring the past to life.

Why the capital of Spain changed

At different periods in history, Spain looked very different from how it does today.
Kingdoms appeared and disappeared, borders shifted, wars began, and rulers needed to be where it was easier to govern the country and safer to make decisions.

Sometimes the capital was moved for a long time, sometimes for only a few months.
But each such move left its mark on history.

Which cities were the capitals of Spain?

Let us consider the last 500 years, when Spain fully formed as an independent kingdom. So, which cities were the most important in Spain?

Toledo

Toledo was the capital of Spain for more than 40 years, from 1519 to 1561. Its long period as the capital of Spain gave this fortress city its unique architecture, culture and art.

Today it is more associated with an open-air museum, but once upon a time it was from here that the kingdom was ruled.

However, the royal government decided to make Madrid the capital after all, due to the impossibility of expanding Toledo to accommodate its officials and royal subjects—there was not enough space for them.

Madrid is a different matter altogether – it is still expanding and developing.

Madrid

Madrid was granted capital status when it was just a simple town in 1561. Since then, the city has grown rapidly.

But in 1601, Valladolid became the capital, and remained so until 1606, when Madrid regained this title.

Seville

According to historical records, Seville was the capital twice. The first time was from 1729 to 1733. The reason for this decision was probably related to the health of Philip IV, who ruled Spain at the time.

Seville became the official centre of the country for the second time in 1808, when Napoleon's troops were advancing on it.

В In 1810, this city lost its status as capital, but another southern city, Cadiz, was granted the right to hold this title.

Cadiz

Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe, was the capital of Spain from 1810 to 1813, when it staunchly defended the city against the French and emerged victorious.

This was largely facilitated by its favourable geographical location and the courage of the Spanish people, who resisted the French invasion of Spanish territory.

This city has witnessed important events that have given a boost to the further development of Cadiz.

From 1813 to 1936, Madrid regained its status as the capital until the start of the Spanish Civil War.

Valencia

During the Spanish Civil War (17 July 1936 – 1 April 1939), as Franco's troops approached Madrid, the government decided to move the capital from Madrid to Valencia.

And even though it was only for a short time (from November 1936 to October 1937), Valencia was the capital of Spain!

Barcelona

The Mediterranean metropolis of Barcelona is now often referred to as Spain's second capital.

But Barcelona was actually the official capital of Spain from October 1937 to January 1939.

Girona

This remarkable city in north-eastern Spain, renowned for its medieval architecture, had the honour of being the capital for just one month (from January to February 1939).

Figueras

A small town 40 km from Girona, Figueras became the refuge of the government and the temporary capital of Spain from February to April 1939.

Burgos

After the civil war ended, Burgos became involved in the events and retained its status as capital from April to October 1939.

After that, the victorious dictator Franco restored Madrid as the capital of Spain.

Since 1939 and to this day, Madrid continues to be the capital of beautiful Spain!

📊 Chronology of the capitals of Spain

Although today the capital of Spain seems unchanging, history shows otherwise. Spain has ‘moved’ more than once along with its government, each time choosing the city that best suited the realities of the moment.

And, to be honest, that's what makes her story so exciting and interesting.