What is the capital of Spain?

Madrid is the capital of Spain. Located near the center of the Iberian Peninsula, it is also the country's political, administrative, economic, and cultural hub.

Madrid became the seat of Spain's royal court in 1561, when King Philip II moved it from Valladolid. Although the court briefly returned to Valladolid from 1601 to 1606, Madrid soon resumed its central role. Its inland location helped place royal administration close to the geographic heart of the Spanish kingdoms.

The city grew around a medieval settlement with Islamic origins. The name is commonly connected with the Arabic term Mayrit, associated with water channels or an abundant water supply. Madrid later developed into a major center of art and learning, home to institutions such as the Prado Museum and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Barcelona is Spain's largest city by some measures and a major international center, but it is not the national capital. Seville and Valencia are also important regional cities. Spain's modern constitutional order confirms Madrid as the capital, while the surrounding autonomous community is likewise called the Community of Madrid.