Getafe

Getafe () is a city in the southern zone of the Madrid metropolitan area, Spain, and one of the most populated and industrialized cities in the municipality. The city is home to one of the oldest Spanish military air bases, as well as the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Also located within the city is the Cerro de los Ángeles, or Hill of the Angels, a site considered to be the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula. The city is located 13 km south of Madrid's city centre, within the metro area. It is situated within a flat area of Spain's Meseta Central in the Manzanares River basin.

Getafe's proximity to Madrid fostered industrial development during the 20th and 21st centuries. The industrialization of Getafe led to an increase in population to 159,300 (as of December 2007). Due to its industrial and social networks, the majority of residents work or study within the city, transforming it into a commuter town. The increase in population led to the construction of numerous access roads, an increase in available public services, and the creation of new neighborhoods at the end of the 20th century.

Etymology

During the Middle Ages, a number of villages were located in the present-day area of Getafe. One of the main villages was Alarnes, which was very close to the current urban center. In 1326, the villagers united themselves into one city, situated on the royal road...
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