Sanchinarro

Lost in thought I stood before the Mirador building. Its unique design a square with a hollow core framing the Guadarrama mountains. Sanchinarro a residential area in Madrid’s Hortaleza district unfolded before me. A modern marvel built on ancient foundations. Sanchinarro wasn’t always a planned urban development. Its name derives from an older settlement. The area’s history stretches back much further than its modern buildings. Early inhabitants were nomadic or semi-nomadic. They left behind prehistoric tools discovered in the late 19th century. The area gradually developed into a village. It was likely founded in the 13th century by Mozarabs from Madrid seeking summer retreats. Sanchinarro’s growth truly began in the early 2000s. It’s part of a larger urban planning program initiated in 1997. The development encompasses over 400 hectares. It’s bordered by other significant areas. To the west lies Las Tablas. Valdebebas is to the east. Manoteras and the Colonia Virgen del Cortijo lie to the south. El Encinar de los Reyes and even La Moraleja in Alcobendas are nearby neighbors. Sanchinarro boasts more than just residential areas. It is home to the impressive El Corte Ingles shopping center. Two private hospitals the Hospital Sanitas – La Moraleja and the Hospital de Madrid Norte – Sanchinarro provide essential healthcare. Numerous schools both public and private cater to its families. The area also offers ample green spaces including the Anillo Verde Ciclista. The presence of several schools including the Colegio Asuncion Cuestablanca a building created by Miguel Fisac enhances the area. The design of the Mirador building is not the only architectural gem. Other buildings by Fisac like the Church of San Pedro Martir or Los Dominicos are located nearby. These buildings reflect architectural styles dating back to the 1950s and 60s. Sanchinarro’s transport links are efficient. Several bus lines including the 170 172 173 174 BR1 N1 155B and 158 connect it to the rest of Madrid. The Metro Ligero line ML1 with stations such as Maria Tudor Blasco Ibanez Alvarez de Villaamil and Antonio Saura further enhances accessibility. Walking through Sanchinarro is like walking through a modern city infused with ancient roots. This blend of past and present makes Sanchinarro a unique and captivating destination. It offers a rich story to explore.