Madrid (Colombia)

Madrid
Church San Francisco de Paula
Church San Francisco de Paula
Flag of Madrid
Official seal of Madrid
Motto: 
Unity - Progress - Development
Anthem: Anthem of Madrid
Location of the municipality and town of Madrid in the Cundinamarca Department of Colombia
Location of the municipality and town of Madrid in the Cundinamarca Department of Colombia
Madrid is located in Colombia
Madrid
Madrid
Location in Colombia
Coordinates: 4°44′04″N 74°16′06″W / 4.73444°N 74.26833°W / 4.73444; -74.26833
Country Colombia
Department Cundinamarca
ProvinceWestern Savanna Province
FoundedNovember 20, 1559
As a municipal district1834
Founded byAlonso Díaz
Named forPedro Fernández Madrid
Government
 • MayorCarlos Alberto Chávez Moya (2024-2027)
Area
 • Municipality120.5 km2 (46.52 sq mi)
Population
 (2024)[1]
 • Municipality200,000
 • Density1,700/km2 (4,300/sq mi)
 • Urban
132.214
Demonym(s)Madrilenian, madrileño, -ña
Time zoneUTC-5
Area code60+1
Websitewww.madrid-cundinamarca.gov.co/

Madrid (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈðɾið]), is one of the 116 municipalities comprising the department of Cundinamarca in Colombia and occupies a significant position within the Western Savanna Province. This municipality, with a population estimated at 200,000 inhabitants as of 2024,[2] stands as one of the most densely populated entities in the region. Spanning an area of 120.5 square kilometers and situated at an altitude of 2,554 AMSL at its municipal center, Madrid is strategically located 21 kilometers from Bogotá.[3] This proximity facilitates its functional and spatial integration into the Metropolitan Area of the Colombian capital, underscoring its importance in regional urban dynamics.

The municipality, originally established in 1559 by Alonso Díaz under the appellation of La Serrezuela, assumed its present designation, Madrid, in 1875. In contemporary discourse, Madrid is distinguished by its significant residential expansion and cultural heterogeneity, rendering it a quintessential commuter town within the metropolitan framework of Bogotá. This phenomenon of urban proliferation and socio-spatial transformation elucidates the intricate interplay between urbanization processes and demographic mobility, contextualized within the broader ambit of the Colombian capital's metropolitan dynamics.

Madrid has served as a pivotal arena for the activities and contributions of several distinguished figures in the annals of national history. Among these luminaries, Jorge Miguel Lozano, Marquis of San Jorge, stands out for his multifaceted influence across various domains. Equally significant are Simón Bolívar, the eminent Liberator, and Antonio Nariño, both of whom are heralded as essential architects of the independence movement. José María Vergara y Vergara, a preeminent literary critic of his era, and Rufino José Cuervo, a distinguished philologist whose scholarship profoundly impacted the study of the Spanish language, further exemplify the city's rich intellectual heritage. Additionally, Pedro Fernández Madrid, a notable politician and intellectual, made significant contributions during his time. In the contemporary era, figures such as Rafael Reyes, instrumental in the modernization of the nation, and Alfonso López Pumarejo, a reformist president of considerable influence, have also indelibly shaped the historical landscape of this municipality.

Within the municipality, two distinguished mountain formations command attention. To the southeast, the imposing Cerro Tibaytatá, situated adjacent to the esteemed Hacienda Casablanca, ascends to elevations between 2,550 and 2,750 AMSL. This mountain is not only a prominent geographic landmark but also a site of considerable historical significance in the region. Conversely, to the north, the Valle del Abra area emerges as a crucial ecological reserve, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and substantial biodiversity. This natural sanctuary supports a diverse array of avian species, insects, and plant life. In recent years, the area has embraced ecotourism initiatives, featuring accommodations such as inns and hotels tailored to visitors. Both mountain formations have thus evolved into popular venues for outdoor recreational pursuits, including hiking and mountain biking.

Madrid boasts a distinguished trajectory in the annals of Colombian aviation, serving as the headquarters for both the Comando Aéreo de Mantenimiento and the Escuela de Suboficiales of the Colombian Air Force. The enduring legacies of prominent figures such as Justino Mariño and Andrés M. Díaz have profoundly impacted the community. Additionally, the historic visit of Charles Lindbergh has left an indelible imprint on the local identity, further underscoring Madrid's pivotal role in the national aeronautical landscape. This confluence of historical and contemporary aeronautical significance underscores Madrid's integral position within Colombia's aviation heritage.

  1. ^ "Censo 2018 DANE". Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  2. ^ "MADRID EN EL CUMPLIMIENTO DE LOS ODS" (PDF).
  3. ^ "«El Observatorio y los municipios: Madrid»".