Here in Canillas, history whispers from every corner. Canillas is a ward of Madrid. It belongs to the district of Hortaleza.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the High Middle Ages. Between the 11th and 13th centuries cities rose to prominence. They became strongholds in the conquest between the Duero and Tagus rivers. This area was called the Extremadura Castellana.
Canillas’s story intertwines with Hortaleza. Both began as settlements near the Rejas stream. This stream ran along today’s Gran Vía de Hortaleza.
By the 13th century Canillas and Hortaleza were trading with Madrid. They traded livestock vegetables and leather. Canillas had a church and collected tithes. Dominican nuns were buying land here as early as 1252.
Over the centuries Canillas saw its share of hardship. Taxes were high and resources were strained. In the 16th century Canillas had to house troops fighting in Granada. This led to famine among the residents.
By 1535 Canillas was a small village. It had about 32 homes and 120 people. Hortaleza was slightly larger. It had 40 houses and 150 residents.
The 17th century brought decline. The population plummeted due to epidemics. By 1646 only 18 families lived in Canillas.
In the 18th century Canillas was mainly agricultural. Some residents worked as servants or laundresses in Madrid. They used donkeys to transport goods.
The Counts of Canillas collected taxes. They also appointed officials. Nobles bought up land. They created large estates for recreation.
The 19th century brought more challenges. Plagues war and famine struck. However change was coming.
Around 1870 Canillas grew rapidly. Madrid’s expansion drew people to the roads leading into the city. The road to Aragón, now Calle de Alcalá became a popular settlement area. New neighborhoods emerged near the Abroñigal stream.
In 1899 the Ciudad Lineal tramway opened. This further boosted growth. Arturo Soria’s Ciudad Lineal project created new jobs and neighborhoods.
At the turn of the century Canillas was still a small town. It had about 120 houses and 468 residents. The town lacked basic services like a doctor or pharmacy. The town hall moved to Vista Alegre a more vibrant area.
In 1949 Canillas was annexed to Madrid. Before this it included areas like Ciudad Lineal and La Concepción.
In the 1950s Spain saw economic development. Many people moved from rural areas to Madrid for work. The government built affordable housing called Poblados Dirigidos.
The Poblado Dirigido de Canillas began in 1956. Architect Luis Cubillo de Arteaga designed it. Residents helped build their own homes. This reduced costs. Strong community bonds formed.
Today Canillas is a vibrant part of Madrid. It is a testament to its long and resilient history. The echoes of the past remain. They blend with the present.