Castrillo de los Polvazares facts for kids
Castrillo de los Polvazares is a charming village located in León, in the northwest part of Spain. It's a small but important place, known for its rich history and unique traditions. The village is part of the larger area called "Maragatería". It's special because it has kept many of its old customs alive. Castrillo also played a brave role in fighting against French invaders a long time ago.
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A Look Back: Castrillo's History
We don't know the exact year Castrillo was founded. But it likely started around the same time as the "Maragatería" region. This was during the Roman Empire, when the city of Astorga (then called Austurica Augusta) was established. In the 16th century, a big flood destroyed the village. But the people rebuilt it in the same spot where it stands today.
Castrillo was very important during the Spanish War of Independence. This war was fought against the French army. Castrillo was the first village in the "Maragatería" where Spanish soldiers stood up against the French. This act of bravery helped in taking back Astorga from the French.
You can find more details about the village's history on this website: CastrilloDeLosPolvazares.com.
What Castrillo Does: Economy and Tourism
Today, the people of Castrillo de los Polvazares mostly earn their living from tourism and making handmade crafts. Visitors love the village for its special old buildings. They also come to try the delicious local food. The most famous dish is the "Cocido Maragato". This is a traditional stew that's very popular. Many of the best restaurants in town are in old "maragata" houses that have been restored.
Castrillo's Unique Look: Architecture
Castrillo de los Polvazares has kept its original architecture since the 16th century. This means that almost every building is made of stone. Even the roads are not paved with asphalt. Instead, they are covered with stones to keep the village's historic look. Because of its well-preserved appearance, Castrillo was declared a Historic-Artistic Site of Great Value in 1980.
Some people believe the name "Castrillo" comes from two old forts nearby. These forts were called "Castro de San Martino" and "Teso de la Mesa".
Culture and Famous Connections
Castrillo de los Polvazares has inspired artists and hosted special events. The writer Concha Espina chose Castrillo as the setting for her novel, "La Esfinge Maragata". In her book, she renamed the village "Valdecruces". Another famous person linked to Castrillo is René Clair. He was a French film director whose wife lived in the village until she passed away in 2006.
In 2004 and 2006, Castrillo hosted the Napoleonic Journeys. These events remembered the Spanish War of Independence. During these days, people recreated battles between French and Spanish armies. They marched through Astorga and even acted out the siege of the city from 1810. Later, the battle moved to Castrillo. In one scene, the village mayor and priest were captured by Napoleon's troops. But the Spanish soldiers fought back, rescued them, and freed the village. This led to the Spanish army taking back Astorga.
See also
- In Spanish: Castrillo de los Polvazares para niños
