Perhaps you’ve heard heads of state favor Fuencarral-El Pardo. It is Madrid’s number one destination for them. Today we explore Fuencarral-El Pardo. This district is one of Madrid’s 21 districts. It was formed in the 70s. Before that, it was simply known as Fuencarral. The district was formed with the municipalities of the Royal Site of El Pardo and the old town of Fuencarral. Both were incorporated into Madrid in 1949.
Fuencarral-El Pardo is divided into eight neighborhoods. These include El Pardo Fuentelarreina Penagrande Pilar La Paz Valverde Mirasierra and El Goloso. It is Madrid’s largest district. Yet it is not the most populated. This is because Monte de El Pardo is located here. Urbanized areas represent less than 50% of the district. Fuencarral-El Pardo is a business district. Many large companies are based here. It sits at Madrid’s northern edge near wooded areas.
El Pardo shows its historical and artistic past. It is more than just economically and demographically important. The Palacio de El Pardo is located here. It was originally a hunting lodge for the Austrias. Later it was a winter residence for the Kings of Spain. This lasted until Alfonso XII. It was also the official residence of Francisco Franco.
The Monte de El Pardo spans almost 16000 hectares. It runs along the Manzanares River. This makes it one of the city’s main green spaces. It has diverse flora and fauna. This makes the mountain an ecological treasure. Holm oaks cork oaks ash trees and rockroses grow here. Deer imperial eagles black vultures rabbits stags and wild boars roam freely.
The old town of Fuencarral is now the Valverde neighborhood. It maintains its structure character and traditions. Remnants of medieval times can be seen. The Casa Grande de Fuencarral is near the old main square. Its modest facade hides a historical jewel. It exemplifies domestic and agricultural architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Santuario de Nuestra Seora de Valverde is in the Montecarmelo neighborhood. It was recognized as a historical-artistic monument in 1977. The Archdiocese of Madrid declared it a Marian Sanctuary. Every April people come to venerate the patron saint of Fuencarral.
The Barrio del Pilar emerged in the second half of the last century. Jos Ban created housing for workers and immigrants. The colony of Penagrande and the neighborhoods of Lacoma and Fuentelarreina followed. Later the new urban developments of Montecarmelo Arroyo del Fresno and Las Tablas were added. Las Tablas showcases Madrid’s avant-garde side.
Fuencarral-El Pardo is a district of contrasts. Its rich artistic historical and natural heritage coexists with modern landmarks. Pine and holm oak meadows are home to birds of prey wild boars and deer. A few meters away twelve-story buildings house residents. It is also a district of journalists poets workers and military barracks. Today it has intense commercial and cultural activity. You can find your Zen here.