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What Madrid, Spain looked like in the 1960s Through These Fascinating Photos

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At the beginning of the 1960s, Madrid had a population of more than two million. Migrants flocked to Madrid in the 1950s and 1960s largely due to its expanding industrial belt, creating a complex population that reflects the Spanish country as a whole.

The 1960s were marked by speculative land development, uncontrolled urban sprawl, and industrial development that directly impacted the city’s cultural heritage, as in many European cities. A plan for the absorption of the shacks included the construction of thirty thousand homes over five years, exclusively for rehousing. The unauthorized construction problem had risen to the top of the official list of concerns, and the response was no longer repressive but also social. The 1963 plan redirected growth without controlling it. Most of the city’s most valuable buildings are protected by legislation passed in the 1980s and 1990s, and there is a focus on preserving older buildings, even if only some of them can be saved. During that time, remodeling programs were inaugurated, and tens of thousands of new residences were constructed

Here are some fabulous historical photos that will take you back to the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

#1 British Embassy, 116 Calle Fernando el Santo, Madrid, Spain, 1966.

British Embassy, 116 Calle Fernando el Santo, Madrid, Spain, 1966.

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#2 A man and a woman chatting beside a tree. Madrid, May 1960

A man and a woman chatting beside a tree. Madrid, May 1960

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#3 Europa Press journalists visit the sets of the film “55 Days in Peking” produced by Samuel Bronston on October 30 in Las Rozas, Madrid.

Europa Press journalists visit the sets of the film "55 Days in Peking" produced by Samuel Bronston on October 30 in Las Rozas, Madrid.

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#4 Real monument in San Lorenzo del Escorial, 1960, Madrid, Spain.

Real monument in San Lorenzo del Escorial, 1960, Madrid, Spain.

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#6 Couple in love walking in the streets of Madrid, 1960

Couple in love walking in the streets of Madrid, 1960

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#8 The Gran Via in Valencia, a busy street with tall buildings, Valencia, Spain, 1960.

The Gran Via in Valencia, a busy street with tall buildings, Valencia, Spain, 1960.

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#9 View (looking mostly south) along the Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain, 1960.

View (looking mostly south) along the Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain, 1960.

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#11 A Madrid street decorated with Christmas lights, in Madrid, 1960

A Madrid street decorated with Christmas lights, in Madrid, 1960

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#12 A Madrid street decorated with Christmas lights, in Madrid, Spain, late 1960s.

A Madrid street decorated with Christmas lights, in Madrid, Spain, late 1960s.

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#13 Abbey of the Holy Cross of the Valley of the Fallen, built by order of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in the Valley of Cuelgamuros, in San Lorenzo del Escorial, Madrid, Spain – early 1960s.

Abbey of the Holy Cross of the Valley of the Fallen, built by order of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in the Valley of Cuelgamuros, in San Lorenzo del Escorial, Madrid, Spain - early 1960s.

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#15 Italian actress Sophia Loren leaves a building in Madrid during her visit to film the blockbuster El Cid on January 30, 1961 in Madrid, Spain.

Italian actress Sophia Loren leaves a building in Madrid during her visit to film the blockbuster El Cid on January 30, 1961 in Madrid, Spain.

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#17 A group photo of the Leicester City F.C. team, taken in Madrid, Spain, during the first round of the 1961–62 European Cup Winners’ Cup, 30th November 1961.

A group photo of the Leicester City F.C. team, taken in Madrid, Spain, during the first round of the 1961–62 European Cup Winners' Cup, 30th November 1961.

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#19 Europa Press journalists visit the sets of the film “55 Days in Peking” produced by Samuel Bronston on June 30 in Las Rozas, Madrid.

Europa Press journalists visit the sets of the film "55 Days in Peking" produced by Samuel Bronston on June 30 in Las Rozas, Madrid.

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#20 Filming Of “55 Days In Beijing”, Madrid, 1960s

Filming Of "55 Days In Beijing", Madrid, 1960s

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#21 Europa Press journalists visit the sets of the film “55 Days in Peking” produced by Samuel Bronston on June 30 in Las Rozas, Madrid.

Europa Press journalists visit the sets of the film "55 Days in Peking" produced by Samuel Bronston on June 30 in Las Rozas, Madrid.

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#23 The Italian actress Serena Vergano and the Spanish Actor Paco Rabal filming the movie Mathias Sandorf, 1963, Madrid, Spain.

The Italian actress Serena Vergano and the Spanish Actor Paco Rabal filming the movie Mathias Sandorf, 1963, Madrid, Spain.

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#24 The stadium Santiago Bernabeu of Real Madrid, 1963, Spain.

The stadium Santiago Bernabeu of Real Madrid, 1963, Spain.

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#25 The first woman football coach in Spain, Amelia del Castillo, leads her team in the Madrid town of Pinto.

The first woman football coach in Spain, Amelia del Castillo, leads her team in the Madrid town of Pinto.

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#26 The Cerro de los Ángeles , the geographic center of Spain

The Cerro de los Ángeles , the geographic center of Spain

The Cerro de los Ángeles is a witness hill located in the municipality of Getafe, about 10 km south of Madrid. Its fame lies in the fact that it has traditionally been considered the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula.

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#27 The ‘maletillas’, aspirants to bullfighters, look for an opportunity, 1964, Madrid, Spain.

The 'maletillas', aspirants to bullfighters, look for an opportunity, 1964, Madrid, Spain.

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#28 Spanish writer Mercedes Salisachs, 1964, Madrid, Spain.

Spanish writer Mercedes Salisachs, 1964, Madrid, Spain.

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#29 View of the Manzanares river that crosses the city of Madrid, Spain, 1964.

View of the Manzanares river that crosses the city of Madrid, Spain, 1964.

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#30 The Navacerrada ski resort is located 1200 m. altitude, on the southern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid, Spain, 1964.

The Navacerrada ski resort is located 1200 m. altitude, on the southern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid, Spain, 1964.

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#31 Spanish dancer Lucero Tena on the balcony of her house, Madrid, Spain, 1964.

Spanish dancer Lucero Tena on the balcony of her house, Madrid, Spain, 1964.

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#32 Behind the scenes at Real Madrid Football Club, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, 24th May 1964.

Behind the scenes at Real Madrid Football Club, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, 24th May 1964.

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#34 The “Paseo De La Castellana” of Madrid in 1965.

The "Paseo De La Castellana" of Madrid in 1965.

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#35 The “Paseo De La Castellana” of Madrid in 1965.

The "Paseo De La Castellana" of Madrid in 1965.

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#42 The “Paseo De La Castellana” of Madrid in 1965.

The "Paseo De La Castellana" of Madrid in 1965.

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#49 View of the exterior of a restaurant, Las cuevas de Luis Candelas, Madrid, Spain, 1965

View of the exterior of a restaurant, Las cuevas de Luis Candelas, Madrid, Spain, 1965

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#50 Elevated view of the Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

Elevated view of the Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#51 View of the pa de Espana, with the Miguel de Cervantes Monument (left), and the Edificio Espana (rear), Madrid, Spain, 1965.

View of the pa de Espana, with the Miguel de Cervantes Monument (left), and the Edificio Espana (rear), Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#52 View of an open-air market know as the Rastro, Madrid, Spain,1965.

View of an open-air market know as the Rastro, Madrid, Spain,1965.

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#53 View of the fountain at the Plaza San Juan de la Cruz, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

View of the fountain at the Plaza San Juan de la Cruz, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#66 View from Park Palacio Real to the skyscrapers at Plaza de Espana, Madrid, 1960s

View from Park Palacio Real to the skyscrapers at Plaza de Espana, Madrid, 1960s

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#73 (L to R) American actresses Carol Lynley (1942-2019), Pamela Tiffin and Swedish actress Ann Margret during the filming of the movie “Tres chicas en Madrid”, Spain, 1965.

(L to R) American actresses Carol Lynley (1942-2019), Pamela Tiffin and Swedish actress Ann Margret during the filming of the movie “Tres chicas en Madrid”, Spain, 1965.

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#74 Spanish Palace of Congress “Las Cortes”, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

Spanish Palace of Congress “Las Cortes”, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#77 The American actress Geraldine Chaplin during the filming of ” Doctor Zhivago” with the Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, 1965, Madrid, Spain.

The American actress Geraldine Chaplin during the filming of " Doctor Zhivago" with the Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, 1965, Madrid, Spain.

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#78 View, over the Plaza Mayor, of the Casa de la Panaderia, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

View, over the Plaza Mayor, of the Casa de la Panaderia, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#79 Elevated view of a traffic overpass in the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V (also known as Plaza de Atocha), Madrid, Spain, 1965.

Elevated view of a traffic overpass in the Plaza del Emperador Carlos V (also known as Plaza de Atocha), Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#83 A pedalo on a boating lake in front of the Monument to Alfonso XII in the Retiro approximately during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

A pedalo on a boating lake in front of the Monument to Alfonso XII in the Retiro approximately during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

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#84 Establishment where the Lottery is sold in the Puerta del Sol approximately during the decade of 1960 in Madrid, Spain.

Establishment where the Lottery is sold in the Puerta del Sol approximately during the decade of 1960 in Madrid, Spain.

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#85 People shop at a fish market during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

People shop at a fish market during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

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#86 Women dressed as chulapas buy churros from a street stall in San Antonio de la Florida during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

Women dressed as chulapas buy churros from a street stall in San Antonio de la Florida during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

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#89 Several people on a terrace on the Gran Via during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

Several people on a terrace on the Gran Via during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

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#90 Several women ride in a horse-drawn carriage next to the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida, in Madrid during the 1960s.

Several women ride in a horse-drawn carriage next to the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida, in Madrid during the 1960s.

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#91 Groups of women buy vegetables at a market stall during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

Groups of women buy vegetables at a market stall during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

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#92 A couple row in a boat on the Retiro pond during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

A couple row in a boat on the Retiro pond during the 1960s in Madrid, Spain.

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#93 Visit of Queen Federica of Hanover to Spain for the christening of Infanta Elena.

Visit of Queen Federica of Hanover to Spain for the christening of Infanta Elena.

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#94 The Fountain of Hercules and Anteo

The Fountain of Hercules and Anteo

The Fountain of Hercules and Anteo in the Jardin del Parterre of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, Community of Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#95 Castle in Manzanares el Real, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

Castle in Manzanares el Real, Madrid, Spain, 1965.

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#96 American actress Gene Thierney in Madrid, 1966, Spain.

American actress Gene Thierney in Madrid, 1966, Spain.

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#97 American actor Lorne Greene in a riding school, Madrid, Spain, 1966.

American actor Lorne Greene in a riding school, Madrid, Spain, 1966.

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#98 The Spanish twin actresses “Pili y Pili” (Pilar tan Aurora Bayona during a boat trip on the lake of the” Parque del Retiro “, Madrid, Spain, 1966.

The Spanish twin actresses “Pili y Pili" (Pilar tan Aurora Bayona during a boat trip on the lake of the" Parque del Retiro ", Madrid, Spain, 1966.

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#99 Italian actress Giovanna Ralli tourist in Madrid, Spain, 1966.

Italian actress Giovanna Ralli tourist in Madrid, Spain, 1966.

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#101 Spanish actress Rocio Durcal in front of the Cinematographic Studios where she was filming Good morning Condesita, Madrid, 1967

Spanish actress Rocio Durcal in front of the Cinematographic Studios where she was filming Good morning Condesita, Madrid, 1967

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#104 Pavement collapse with cars at the bottom of the escavation, in Madrid, Spain on October 9, 1967.

Pavement collapse with cars at the bottom of the escavation, in Madrid, Spain on October 9, 1967.

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#105 View of the Edificio Espana in the Plaza de Espana, Madrid, Spain, 1968.

View of the Edificio Espana in the Plaza de Espana, Madrid, Spain, 1968.

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#106 The ‘Circuito del Jarama’, 1968, Madrid, Spain.

The 'Circuito del Jarama', 1968, Madrid, Spain.

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#107 Spanish musical group “Los Mitos”, 1968, Madrid, Spain.

Spanish musical group “Los Mitos”, 1968, Madrid, Spain.

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#109 inger-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat poses in front of the Royal Palace on April 27, 1968 in Madrid, Spain.

inger-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat poses in front of the Royal Palace on April 27, 1968 in Madrid, Spain.

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#110 On a street in the Spanish capital on the eve of May Day, a group of Civil Guards, in Madrid, 1968

On a street in the Spanish capital on the eve of May Day, a group of Civil Guards, in Madrid, 1968

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#111 The Matra of Jean-Pierre Beltoise at the finish of the Grand Prix in Madrid, 1968

The Matra of Jean-Pierre Beltoise at the finish of the Grand Prix in Madrid, 1968

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#112 The Congress of Deputies (The Spanish Cortes), 1969, Madrid, Spain.

The Congress of Deputies (The Spanish Cortes), 1969, Madrid, Spain.

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#115 Spanish flamecco dancer Manuela Vargas, Madrid, Spain, 1969.

Spanish flamecco dancer Manuela Vargas, Madrid, Spain, 1969.

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#116 Columbian author and philosopher, Gonzalo Arango on a street in Madrid, Spain on 10th April 1969.

Columbian author and philosopher, Gonzalo Arango on a street in Madrid, Spain on 10th April 1969.

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#120 Real monument in San Lorenzo del Escorial, 1960, Madrid, Spain.

Real monument in San Lorenzo del Escorial, 1960, Madrid, Spain.

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#122 A Madrid street decorated with Christmas lights, in Madrid, Spain, late 1960s.

A Madrid street decorated with Christmas lights, in Madrid, Spain, late 1960s.

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#123 Prince of Spain Juan Carlos de Borbon receives journalists at the Zarzuela Palace on March 21, 1962 in Madrid, Spain.

Prince of Spain Juan Carlos de Borbon receives journalists at the Zarzuela Palace on March 21, 1962 in Madrid, Spain.

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#124 American actress Linda Christian (1923-2011) at home of La Moraleja with her husband Edmund Purdom (1924-2009) and daughters Romina and Taryn, Madrid, Spain, 1964.

American actress Linda Christian (1923-2011) at home of La Moraleja with her husband Edmund Purdom (1924-2009) and daughters Romina and Taryn, Madrid, Spain, 1964.

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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