Guadarrama

From Freepedia

Guadarrama is a town in the Community of Madrid in Spain.

Pop: 12457 (winter, 2004 census), approx. 60000 (summer).

Co-ordinates 40° 40′ 00″ N, 04° 06′ 00″ W.

Founded by the Arabs, Guadarrama achieved status of "villa" under Fernando V of Castile (II of Aragon) on November 22nd, 1504.

Fernando VI ordered the building of the road to Corunna through the Pass of Guadarrama, which witnessed intensive warfare during the Spanish Civil War.

After the Spanish Civil War had to be rebuilt almost completely.

After a short period in which it was famous for its tuberculosis sanatoriums, it has become important as a touristic site and a second residence for Madrid inhabitants.

The Guadarrama sierra is visited by Madrilenes seeking colder temperatures. It was the location of scenes of the 1964 film The Fall of the Roman Empire.