Anglesola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anglesola
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Municipality
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Plaça de l'Església, Anglesola
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 Anglesola
Location in Catalonia
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| Country |  ESP |
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| Comarca | Urgell | |
| Autonomous Community | Catalonia | |
| Province | Lleida | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 23.5 km2 (9.1 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 335 m (1,099 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 1,328 | |
| • Density | 56.51/km2 (146.4/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
25320
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| Climate | Cfa | |
Anglesola (Catalan pronunciation: [aŋgleˈzɔlɛ]) is a small village located in the province of Lleida, within the Catalonia region of Spain. It is a quiet place with a rich history and a strong connection to its agricultural roots.
Contents
Anglesola's Population
In 2006, Anglesola was home to 1,303 people. By 2018, the population had grown slightly to 1,328 inhabitants. This shows it's a small but steady community.
A Glimpse into Anglesola's History
Anglesola has a long and interesting past, first mentioned over 900 years ago.
When Was Anglesola First Mentioned?
The village of Anglesola was first written about in a document from 1079. In this document, two counts, Ramón Berenguer II and Berenguer Ramón II, gave land to a person named Berenguer Gombau. This was done to help new people settle in the area.
The Barony of Anglesola
Anglesola became the center of something called the "barony of Anglesola." A barony was like a small territory ruled by a baron. This barony played a very important role in the "Catalan reconquest." This was a time when Christian kingdoms were taking back land from Muslim rule in Spain.
The family that ruled the barony took their name from the castle of Anglesola. Over time, this family split into three main branches: the Lords of Vallbona, the Lords of Bellpuig, and the Lords of Anglesola.
The Village Church and Hospital
The church in Anglesola was first mentioned in 1097. Sancha, who was Berenguer Gombau's widow, gave the church to the Solsona clergy.
Later, in 1139, a hospital for the poor was started in Anglesola. It was founded by Arnau Berenguer of Anglesola and managed by the abbot of the Poblet monastery. This shows that the community cared for those in need.
Changes in Leadership Over Time
The original Anglesola family line ended in 1382. After that, King Martin I gave the barony to Pere of Benviure. He was a close friend of Queen Maria de Luna.
Later, the barony passed to the Erill family, but their line also ended in 1475. Finally, the counts of Perelada took over the lordship. They continued to rule Anglesola until the old system of government ended.
Anglesola's Culture and Buildings
While the old castle and first church are no longer standing, Anglesola has a beautiful current church with interesting art.
The Parish Church of St. Paul
The main church in Anglesola today is dedicated to St. Paul of Narbonne. People believe it was built in the same spot as the very first church. It was constructed in the 1400s and has a single main area with side aisles and a choir.
The church's roof uses a mix of styles, combining different types of arches and vaults. This blend of styles was common in other Catalan buildings from the 1400s. The bell tower, which is square-shaped, is attached to the church walls and has a decorative top.
Ancient Art in the Church
At the entrance of the church, you can see two old Romanesque images. These sculptures, made in the 1100s by Ramon de Bianya, represent Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
In the 1300s, a stone altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary was added to the church. This altar is now kept in a museum in Boston. The church also has a beautiful altarpiece from the 1400s, which is a decorated screen behind the altar. It's dedicated to Santa Ana and originally came from an old chapel at the city's ancient gateway. There is also a colorful stone carving from the 1300s showing St. Paul.
Anglesola's Economy
The main way people in Anglesola make a living is through farming.
Farming and Industry
Agriculture is the most important economic activity here. Farmers mainly grow fruit, especially apples and pears. There are also "dry crops," which are plants that don't need much water.
Anglesola also has an industrial area. In 2007, this area was home to twelve different companies, showing a small but growing industrial presence.
See also
In Spanish: Anglesola para niños
