Featuring a total area of around 540 hectares (1,300 acres), the district is divided into 6 administrative neighborhoods (barrios): Almenara, Bellas Vistas, Berruguete, Castillejos, Cuatro Caminos and Valdeacederas.

[1] When Leopoldo O'Donnell returned with his forces to Spain after the 1859–60 African War, the latter camped at a spot north of Madrid known as the Campos de Amaniel ("Fields of Amaniel") while a triumphal entry into the capital was being arranged for May 11th.

Some authors link the origin of the neighborhood to the camp, which would have acquired permanent structures as well as shops over time.

They were self-built by masons who brought home a cheaper version of the techniques they were paid to apply in the then-building Ensanche of Madrid.

Many neighbors frame the contrast in terms of a dichotomy lined up along the calle de Bravo Murillo: East of the street–rich; West of the street–poor.