Why did Villaverde Alto get a new name? It is a question that echoes through the streets of this historic neighborhood. Villaverde Alto, Casco Histórico de Villaverde has a rich story. It began as the historic center of the old municipality of Villaverde.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Villaverde as an independent entity. It existed until 1954. That year, it became part of Madrid. This absorption led to a renaming. The area near the railway workshops became Villaverde Bajo. This distinguished it from the original settlement.
For many years it was known as San Andrés. However, in 2017, the city council approved a change. San Andrés became Villaverde Alto, Casco Histórico de Villaverde. This restored its historic identity.
The heart of Villaverde Alto consists of several key streets. These include Calle Antimonio and Calle Oxígeno. The Avenida Real de Pinto and Albino Hernández Lázaro also form part of the core. The Plaza Mayor de Villaverde stands as a central gathering place. This area is the origin of Villaverde.
In 1970, Villaverde Alto had about 10,000 residents. Today, the population is over 40,000.
Villaverde Alto serves as the administrative hub for the Villaverde district. The Junta de Villaverde is located here. Other important offices include the Treasury and Social Security. You will also find the regional employment office here. The police and fire departments are also in Villaverde Alto.
In 2007, the Metro de Madrid Line 3 was extended. This connected Villaverde Alto to the city center. The extended platforms can accommodate six cars. This line links Villaverde Alto to El Casar station. From there, one can connect to Metro Line 12 and Renfe.
Calle Alcocer is one of two direct routes from Villaverde Alto to central Madrid. The other is the Gran Vía de Villaverde. Built in 2004, this avenue has two lanes in each direction. It cleverly conceals the railway tracks below.
Villaverde Alto has transformed over the years. It has grown from a small village to a vital part of Madrid. Yet, it retains its unique charm and historical significance. The name Villaverde Alto, Casco Histórico de Villaverde reminds us of its past. It looks forward to the future. It is a place where history and progress meet.