Cuéllar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cuéllar
Town and Municipality
Arch of San Basilio
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Cuéllar Location in Castile and León Show map of Castile and León Cuéllar Location in Spain Show map of Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Castile and León
Province	Segovia
Municipality	Cuéllar
Elevation	858 m (2,815 ft)
• Density	27.89/km2 (72.2/sq mi)

Cuéllar (pronounced KWEH-lyar) is a town and municipality in Spain. It is located in the Province of Segovia, which is part of the Castile and León region.

This town sits on a hill, about 60 km (37 miles) northeast of Segovia city. It is also about 50 km (31 miles) south of Valladolid. Cuéllar covers an area of about 272 square kilometers (105 square miles). It is 857 meters (2,812 feet) above sea level. The Cerquilla and Cega rivers flow through the town.

People in Cuéllar traditionally grow crops like cereals, vegetables, and beets. They also raise animals such as pigs, sheep, and cows. In the past, making resin from trees and forestry were also important jobs.

Cuéllar's Past: A Journey Through Time

Early History and Growth

Historians believe Cuéllar existed as early as the 10th century. Around that time, a leader named Al-Mansur attacked the town. He took its people as slaves to Andalusia. Later, King Alfonso VI of León and Castile rebuilt Cuéllar. He brought new people to live there in the late 11th century.

In 1184, King Alfonso VIII of Castile held a special meeting of parliament in Cuéllar. By the 13th century, Cuéllar was a very important town in northern Spain. Trading wool made the local economy strong. Many beautiful palaces and churches in the Mudéjar style were built then. In 1256, King Alfonso X of Castile gave Cuéllar special royal laws.

Queen María de Molina, who was King Sancho IV of Castile's wife, inherited the town. Cuéllar became a safe place for her when her son, who would become King Ferdinand IV of Castile, was young.

In the mid-14th century, King Pedro I married Doña Juana de Castro in Cuéllar. In 1464, King Henry IV of Castile gave the town to his favorite nobleman, Beltrán de La Cueva. Since then, the town has been connected to this powerful family.

Later Centuries and Modern Times

In the 17th century, Cuéllar faced hard times. The royal court moved to Madrid, and many rich families followed. This led to less trade and more poverty. There were also high taxes from past wars and many diseases.

Things got better in the 18th century. New laws helped Cuéllar regain some of its social and economic strength. However, when Napoleon's army invaded Spain, they looted Cuéllar. They stole treasures from churches, monasteries, and the castle.

In 1833, a writer named Jose de Espronceda was sent to live in Cuéllar. He was exiled because of his liberal ideas. While there, he wrote a novel called Sancho Saldaña o el Castellano de Cuéllar.

20th Century Changes

During the Spanish Civil War, Cuéllar was controlled by nationalist forces. This meant its churches were saved from being destroyed. Cuéllar Castle was used as a headquarters for Italian troops. Later, it became a prison for political prisoners. After that, it was a hospital for people with tuberculosis and then a jail. Today, the castle is a high school and a place for tourists to visit. Because of its strong farming, Cuéllar's people did not suffer as much after the war. They also did not move away as much as people in other areas.

Where is Cuéllar?

Cuéllar is in the middle of the Tierra de Pinares region. It is on the border of the Segovia and Valladolid provinces. It is 60 km (37 miles) from Segovia and 50 km (31 miles) from Valladolid.

The town's exact location is 41°24′10″N 4°19′12″E. It is about 857.93 meters (2,814 feet) above sea level.

Cuéllar's area grew in 2008. The government recognized that a large mountain, Común Grande de las Pegueras, belonged to Cuéllar. This added about 74.46 square kilometers (28.75 square miles) to the municipality.

The land around Cuéllar is mostly flat. However, there is a large valley formed by the Cega river. The soil is sandy in some parts, with lots of plants. In other areas, the soil is mostly clay.

How Many People Live in Cuéllar?

As of January 1, 2010, Cuéllar had 9,730 inhabitants. This number includes the main town and smaller villages nearby. Cuéllar is the most populated municipality in the province, besides the capital city.

The population of Cuéllar has changed a lot over time. In the 1500s, many people from Cuéllar traveled to the Americas. This affected how the town grew. By the late 1500s, about 3,000 people lived there. This was because farming became more important. Also, the town offered tax benefits, which attracted people from nearby areas.

In the early 1600s, the population dropped to about 2,400. It kept falling to 2,194 by 1751. But in the 18th century, the town started to recover. By the mid-1800s, it reached 3,000 inhabitants again.

The 20th century saw big population growth. Between 1930 and 1940, over 2,000 people were added. Another big jump happened between 1970 and 1975. This was partly because several smaller villages joined Cuéllar. After a small dip in the 1980s, the population has been growing steadily since the 1990s. This is due to people moving from nearby towns. Cuéllar's industries and services make it an important economic center in the area.

Famous People from Cuéllar

• Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar: A Spanish explorer and conqueror.
• Bartolomé de la Cueva y Toledo: A Roman Catholic cardinal in the 16th century.
• Juan de Grijalva: Another Spanish explorer. Some say he was from the same family as Diego Velázquez.
• Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas: A Spanish historian who wrote during the reigns of King Philip II, Philip III, and Philip IV.

Amazing Buildings and Places

Cuéllar has many historic buildings. They show different styles of architecture from over the centuries.

• San Martín Church (Iglesia de San Martín): This church was built in the 14th century in the Mudéjar style. It is close to the Dukes of Alburquerque's castle. In 1997, a special center opened inside to teach about Mudéjar art.
• San Andrés Church (Iglesia de San Andrés): Records show this church existed in 1277. It was outside the town walls back then. Many people think it is one of Spain's most beautiful Mudéjar churches.
• San Esteban Church (Iglesia de San Esteban): This church was located between the town's first and second walls. It has been documented since 1247. The back part of the church, called the apse, is a great example of Mudéjar art from its best period. An old burial ground was found next to it.
• Santiago Church (Iglesia de Santiago): Only the apse of this Mudéjar church remains today. The church was first mentioned in 1244. Important records of the town's old families were kept here.
• San Pedro Old Church (Antigua Iglesia de San Pedro): This church dates back to 1095. It was built on the south side of the town walls. It looks a bit like a fortress. Some Gothic parts are still visible in its tower and inside. In the 1800s, the government sold the church. It was used as a flour factory for many years. Now, it is privately owned.
• Cuéllar's Town Walls: These walls were built around the 12th century. They were made stronger in the 14th and 15th centuries for defense. The walls are made of stone and lime, with cool arches. There are two parts: one for the old fortress and an outer wall. While not complete, several parts and arches are still well-preserved. In 1931, the walls were declared national heritage sites.
• Dukes of Alburquerque's Castle: This old fortress was built before the 11th century. The building you see today was mostly built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It became known as a castle in 1306 and sits on a hilltop. It has been restored and is now used as a high school.
• School of Grammar (Estudio de Gramática): This school was a charity started by Deacon Gómez González in 1424. It is thought that Cardinal Cisneros visited the school. The building still has a beautiful Renaissance-style front.
• Pedro I the Cruel's Palace: A Gothic palace built in the 14th century. In 1353, King Pedro I celebrated his marriage to Doña Juana de Castro here.
• Magdalena Hospital: Founded in 1429 by González, this Gothic building was a charity hospital.
• San Francisco Park: This park is surrounded by three old cloisters (covered walkways): Santa Isabel o Santa Ana, San Francisco, and The Immaculate Conception. San Francisco was once the biggest temple in Cuéllar. It used to hold the tombs of the Duke of Alburquerque (now in a museum in America). This building was sold and later almost destroyed by fire. Now, it is used as a center for the Running of the Bulls. The Immaculate Conception cloister was built in the Baroque style. Catholic nuns still live there today.
• El Salvador Church: This church has a Mudéjar apse with a special flying buttress, which gives it a unique shape.
• Santa Clara Cloister: This church has a Renaissance front. It was one of the first Gothic temples built in Cuéllar. Catholic nuns have lived here since the 13th century.
• Santa Maria in The Hill Church: Its tall, elegant tower can be seen from many places around town.
• Santa Marina Tower: This brick tower was once part of a Mudéjar church.
• Santo Tomé Church: This is a small Gothic church.
• San Miguel Church: This church is in the town hall square. It mixes different building styles and has a Gothic dome inside. It holds a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, who is the town's religious patron.
• The Yard in the Town Hall: This is a small, Renaissance-style yard.

Fun Festivals in Cuéllar

Cuéllar has some exciting festivals throughout the year!

• Children's Day: This festival is celebrated on New Year's Day. It's an old tradition with a procession featuring the "Child of The Ball." Musicians and dancers in 15th-century clothes join the child. Many people follow them as they march through the town.
• Running of the Bulls: This famous festival dates back to 1215! It is believed to be even older than that. The festival lasts for five days, starting on the last Saturday evening of August. It honors Our Lady of the Rosary. Early in the morning, bulls run from a corral near the river (about 5 km away) to the bullring. Horsemen guide the bulls through the pine forest. When they reach town, people help guide them. There are many parties and celebrations during this time. People enjoy traditional dishes like roasted lamb and local wines.
• Annual Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Hayfield (Nuestra Señora del Henar): Every September 17th, religious people from the region gather here to pray and celebrate.

Images for kids

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  San Andrés Church

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  Castle of Cuéllar

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  Salvador Church

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  San Francisco Cloister

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  San Martín Church (Cuéllar) [es]

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  Semana Santa

See also

In Spanish: Cuéllar para niños