Regal Capital of Spain
The beloved city of the Madrileños, Madrid displays both the riches and complexities of an area whose crossbred culture is a result of the various civilizations that have occupied it over the centuries. Its character traits are also influenced by the different colonies that were part of Spain's history of world exploration and conquest. This dynamic city and its warm inhabitants were able to forge their own unique identity with the advent of the liberating La Movida movement that followed the death in 1975 of the country's dictator, General Franco. This turning point introduced a wave of freedom that changed the country's cultural, social and political makeup.