With the end of the War of Africa in 1860, the army returning from Tetuán in Morocco temporarily settled on the northern outskirts of Madrid to enter triumphant in the city. What started off as a provisional settlement, became a small suburb, since small markets were set up to serve the soldiers. The area was called Tetuán de las Victorias, in honour of the battle that had been won in its Moroccan namesake. The adjoining area between the settlement and Cuatro Caminos became Tetuán District.
On the site where Calle Bravo Murillo is located today, there were street stalls, but becuase of the lack of hygiene there, they were moved to Marqués de Viana, to become what was known as the Rastro de Tetuán.
Twin buildings were constructed in the 20’s at Cuatro Caminos, known as Los Titanic, designed by Casto Fernández Shaw, and therefore the area gradually lost its suburban atmosphere. There were many picnic areas and a bullring, although it was destroyed in the Civil War.
In the early 20th century, Cuatro Caminos was no longer considered an outlying town, and became a suburb, which was when the area was further developed. Between 1960 and 1970 development of the area was completed to reach Plaza Castilla. Upmarket housing was built in Calle Orense, and business premises on the other streets.
The Azca financial area, one of the most important business centres in Madrid, was built in 1970 and became further consolidated with the construction of skyscrapers, including the highest tower in Madrid at the time: Torre Picasso. Development of the area continued until it eventually merged with the Tetuán quarter.
