Balaguer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balaguer
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Municipality
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Church of St. Mary.
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 Balaguer
Location in Province of Lleida
Balaguer
Location in Catalonia
Balaguer
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Community |  Catalonia |
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| Province | Lleida | ||
| Comarca | La Noguera | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 57.3 km2 (22.1 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 233 m (764 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 16,841 | ||
| • Density | 293.91/km2 (761.2/sq mi) | ||
| Demonyms | Balaguerí, balaguerina | ||
| Climate | Cfa | ||
Balaguer is an important city in Catalonia, Spain. It is the capital of a region called Noguera. The city is located right by the river Segre, which flows into the Ebro river.
Balaguer has a long and interesting history. It was taken from the Moors by Ermengol VI of Urgell in 1106. He made Balaguer his new capital city. It stayed the capital for the leaders of Urgell for many years.
A Jewish community lived in Balaguer from the 11th century. They were part of the city until 1492, when Jewish people were asked to leave Spain.
Contents
Historic Buildings and Bridges
Balaguer is home to several old and important structures. These buildings tell stories of the city's past.
The Pont de Sant Miquel
One famous structure is the "Pont de Sant Miquel." This is a Gothic bridge that crosses the Segre river. The bridge was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1938. This happened during a battle known as "Cap de Pont," or "bridgehead battle." After the war, the bridge was rebuilt.
Santa Maria Church
Another Gothic building is the Santa Maria Church. It stands high above the city. Near the church, you can see a well-preserved wall from the 15th century AD.
Palauet de la Muralla
The historic mansion called Palauet de la muralla de Balaguer is now a hotel. It is located in the city center. A part of the old city wall forms the back of this building.
City Development and the Segre River
The oldest part of Balaguer is on the right side of the Segre river. After the Spanish Civil War, a new bridge was built. This led to new parts of the city growing on the left side of the river.
In 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, General Franco's forces entered Catalonia through Balaguer's bridgehead.
Culture and People
Music in Balaguer
- Hot Numbers (1996) is a music group from Balaguer. They play a mix of different music styles.
Famous People from Balaguer
Many notable people were born in Balaguer.
- Gaspar de Portolà: He was a very important explorer. He helped found the cities of San Diego and Monterey in the United States.
- Peter IV of Aragon: He was a King of the Crown of Aragon.
- Antoni Torres García: A well-known footballer.
- Roberto Martínez: A former footballer who now manages the Portuguese national football team.
- Teresa Pàmies: A writer and political activist.
- James II, Count of Urgell: A royal Count.
Images for kids
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Church of St. Mary.
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Flag of Balaguer.
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Coat of Arms of Balaguer.
See also
In Spanish: Balaguer para niños
