Spanish towns and cities that were once capitals
Spain is a country of countless contrasts, where each region has its own special charm and its own long, rich history. Everyone knows that the capital of Spain is Madrid.
Maybe some people know that Toledo, an hour's drive from Madrid, was also once the capital. But there were many more capitals in Spain!
Consider the last 500 years, when Spain was fully established as an independent kingdom. So, what cities were the capitals of Spain?
Toledo
Toledo was the capital of Spain for over 40 years, from 1519 to 1561. The long time as the capital of Spain has given this fortress city its unique architecture, culture and art. Toledo is unlike any other city!
But the royal government decided to make Madrid the capital because it was impossible to expand Toledo to accommodate its officials and royal subjects - there was too little space for them. This is not the case with Madrid - it is still expanding and developing.
Madrid
Madrid gained the status of capital when it was just a simple town in 1561. From then on, the city began to grow rapidly. But in 1601 Valladolid became the capital, and it remained as such until 1606, when Madrid regained the title.
Seville - Sevilla
According to historical records, Seville was the capital on two occasions. The first was from 1729 to 1733. The reason for this decision was probably related to the health of the king who ruled Spain at the time, Philip IV.
Seville became the capital for the second time in 1808, when Napoleon's troops were advancing on Spain. In 1810 it ceased to be the capital, but another southern city received the right to be called so - Cadiz.
Cádiz
Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe, was the capital of Spain from 1810 to 1813, when it steadfastly defended the city against the French. This was largely due to its favourable geographical location and the courage of the Spaniards who resisted the introduction of the French into Spanish lands.
This city witnessed crucial events that gave impetus to the additional development of Cadiz. From 1813 to 1936, Madrid regained the right to be called the capital until the Spanish Civil War broke out.
València
During the Spanish Civil War (from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939), as Franco's troops approached Madrid, the government decided to move the capital from Madrid to Valencia. And even if 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 the second capital of Spain. But Barcelona was actually the official capital of Spain from October 1937 to January 1939.
Girona - Gerona
An amazing city in the north-east of Spain, famous for its medieval architecture was honoured to be the capital for only one month (from January to February 1939).
Figueras
A small town 40 kilometres from Girona, Figueras became the government's refuge and temporary capital of Spain from February to April 1939.
Burgos
At the end of the civil war, Burgos became involved and retained the status of capital from April to October 1939, after which the victorious dictator Franco returned the title of capital of Spain to Madrid.
From 1939 to the present day, Madrid continues to be the capital of beautiful Spain!
English 
Español 
Русский