Noble, elegant and exclusive, the district of Barrio de Salamanca in the centre east of Madrid is widely regarded as the city's most prestigious residential district, and one of the most upmarket urban neighbourhoods found anywhere in Europe. Some of Madrid's most notable streets and thoroughfares edge the district - such as Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana - which has led to a number of high-class restaurants, hotels and boutiques springing up in the area, servicing the wealthy locals and visiting clientele, who often demand and expect the very best.
The district was purposefully developed by the Marquis de Salamanca between 1860 and 1920, investing his own money to create an area of the city that could match, and cater for, his refined tastes. Today, the effect remains stunningly evident in the form of numerous haute cuisine restaurants, private art galleries, upmarket interior design stores, high couture fashion boutiques and exquisitely-appointed hotels and private residences.
The avant garde architecture so prevalent throughout the district merely augments its regal-like atmosphere and attracts wealthy homebuyers and plenty of tourists keen to catch a glimpse of how Madrid's moneyed class live.
