The area was the scene of fierce fighting during the Spanish Civil War -especially in November 1936, during the Battle of Madrid, when Nationalist troops tried to fight their way into the area. Unaccustomed to street fighting, they took heavy casualties. For the remainder of the Siege of Madrid, the front lines ran through the streets of Carabanchel, until Republican Madrid fell in March 1939.
It was home of Spain's most notorious prison (Carabanchel Prison), which housed many political prisoners during the Franco era. The prison was closed in 1998.
Carabanchel is amongst the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, with a large population from North Africa but also some from South America and Eastern Europe, as well as native-born Spaniards.

In Carabanchel District you will find the following neighborhoods: Comillas, Opañel, San Isidro, Vista Alegre, Puerta Bonita, Buenavista and Abrantes.

Madrid - Carabanchel photo gallery © Flickr