Alcalá de los Gazules facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alcalá de los Gazules
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Municipal location in the Province of Cádiz
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 Alcalá de los Gazules
Location in Province of Cádiz
Alcalá de los Gazules
Location in Andalusia
Alcalá de los Gazules
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Andalusia |
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| Province |  Cádiz |
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| Comarca | La Janda | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 479.59 km2 (185.17 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 165 m (541 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 5,242 | ||
| • Density | 10.9302/km2 (28.3090/sq mi) | ||
| Demonyms | Alcalaíno, na | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
11180
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| Website | alcaladelosgazules.es | ||
Alcalá de los Gazules is a town and municipality in the province of Cádiz, Spain. It is located in the Sierra de Cádiz mountain range. In 2018, about 5,242 people lived there.
Even though it's not officially one of the famous white towns, Alcalá de los Gazules has been recognized since 1984 for its important history and art.
Contents
Discover the History of Alcalá de los Gazules
Alcalá de los Gazules has a long and interesting past. It was first settled by the Romans in 189 CE. They called the city Lascuta. The Romans used this area to get food, oil, wine, and metals.
From Romans to Visigoths
After the Roman Empire became weaker, a group called the Vandals took over. They renamed the area Valdalusia. But they only stayed for about 20 years, from 409 to 429 CE. After them, the Visigoths arrived. They left behind a tall tower called the Mesa de Esparragal.
A Border Town's Story
For many years, Alcalá was on a special border. This line separated the lands controlled by Muslims from those controlled by Christians in southern Spain. Towns along this line are now known as the pueblos blancos, or "white towns." Many of these towns, including Alcalá, had strong defenses and towers. Some of these towers are still there today, even if they are a bit broken.
Building on the Past
When the Catholic rulers, Ferdinand and Isabella, took control of southern Spain in the late 1400s, many older buildings were changed. In Alcalá, the famous Church of San Jorge was built in the mid-1500s. It stands on the site of an older mosque.
Explore Monuments and Sights
Alcalá de los Gazules has many historical places to visit.
- Yacimiento Laja de los Hierros: An ancient site.
- Yacimiento romano de la Mesa del Esparragal: Roman ruins.
- Depósitos romanos de la Salada: Roman water tanks.
- Casa del Cabildo: A historic town hall building.
- Iglesia Mayor Parroquial de San Jorge: The main church.
- Convento de Santa Clara: A old convent.
- Iglesia de San Francisco (Iglesia de la Victoria): Another historic church.
- Convento de Santo Domingo: A former monastery.
- Ermita-Santuario de Ntra. Sra. de los Santos: A chapel and sanctuary.
- Los Pozos: Historic wells.
- Fuente de la Salada: A natural spring.
- Puente Romano: An ancient Roman bridge.
- Casas señoriales: Old noble houses.
- Las tres torres: Three historic towers.
- Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Santos: A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Saints.
- Church of La Victoria: A beautiful church.
Enjoy Local Celebrations
The town celebrates many events throughout the year.
- Carnaval de Alcalá de los Gazules: A lively carnival in late February or early March.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week celebrations leading up to Easter.
- Festividad de San Jorge: A festival on April 23rd for Saint George.
- Concurso de Cante Flamenco: A flamenco singing competition in July.
- International Classical Music Festival "Al-Kalat": A music festival in mid-August.
- Feria de agosto: A big fair held in late August.
- Romería de Nuestra Señora de los Santos: A pilgrimage in early September.
- Octava de Nuestra Señora de los Santos: Another celebration for Our Lady of the Saints.
What Drives the Economy?
The economy of Alcalá de los Gazules relies on several activities.
- Cork production: Making products from cork.
- Agriculture: Farming and growing crops.
- Beef cattle: Raising cattle for meat.
- Goats' Cheese production: Making cheese from goat's milk.
- Tourism: Visitors coming to see the town.
- Hunting: Activities related to hunting.
Famous People from Alcalá
Some well-known people were born in Alcalá de los Gazules.
- Alejandro Sanz: A very famous Spanish singer and songwriter.
- Bibiana Aído: A Spanish politician.
- Alfonso Perales: A Spanish politician.
Gallery
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Los Alcornocales Natural Park
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Castle
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Church
See also
In Spanish: Alcalá de los Gazules para niños
