Escalona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Escalona
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| Escalona del Alberche | |||
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 Escalona
Location in Castilla-La Mancha
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Castilla-La Mancha | ||
| Province | Toledo | ||
| Comarca | Torrijos | ||
| Judicial district | Torrijos | ||
| Founded | Ver texto | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 73 km2 (28 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 550 m (1,800 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 3,199 | ||
| • Density | 43.82/km2 (113.5/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Escaloneros | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
45910
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| Dialing code | 925 | ||
Escalona is a town in the north of the Toledo province in Spain. It is part of the Castilla-La Mancha region. In 2017, about 3,240 people lived there. Many residents live in neighborhoods outside the main town.
Escalona is located about 30 meters above the Alberche river. It is in the Torrijos area, which is part of the historic region of New Castile.
Contents
History of Escalona
Escalona has a very old history. Its location near the Alberche river, between the cities of Avila and Toledo, made it an important spot. People think there might have been a fort here during Roman times or when the Visigoths ruled.
Escalona's Role in Medieval Times
After Alfonso VI of León and Castile took over Toledo in 1085, Escalona became a key defense point. It helped protect against attacks from groups like the Almoravides and Almohades. These groups attacked Escalona in 1131, 1137, and 1196.
The most famous building in Escalona is the Castle of Escalona. It was built in the 15th century. This castle has a special style called Mudéjar, which mixes Christian and Islamic art.
Jewish Community in Escalona
Escalona was also home to a Jewish community for many years. They lived there even before Christians took over the town in 1083. The town's rules gave Jewish people the same rights as Christians and Moors (Muslims).
From 1477 to 1489, there was a special Jewish neighborhood. In 1483, a Muslim mosque was included in this area. A famous Jewish scholar named Isaac Abarbanel had business in Escalona. The Jewish community stayed in Escalona until 1492, when all Jewish people were asked to leave Spain.
Population of Escalona
The number of people living in Escalona has changed over time. Here is a look at the population from 1900 to 2023.
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1900 | 1,272 | — |
| 1910 | 1,553 | +22.1% |
| 1920 | 1,634 | +5.2% |
| 1930 | 1,758 | +7.6% |
| 1940 | 1,821 | +3.6% |
| 1950 | 1,806 | −0.8% |
| 1960 | 1,643 | −9.0% |
| 1970 | 1,429 | −13.0% |
| 1981 | 1,537 | +7.6% |
| 1991 | 1,763 | +14.7% |
| 2001 | 2,193 | +24.4% |
| 2011 | 3,540 | +61.4% |
| 2021 | 3,441 | −2.8% |
| 2023 | 3,669 | +6.6% |
| Source: INE | ||
Sister Cities
Escalona has connections with other towns. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities."
- Villena, Spain
- Peñafiel, Spain
Famous People from Escalona
Some well-known people were born or lived in Escalona:
- Juan Manuel (1282–1348), a famous writer.
- Esteban de Aguilar y Zúñiga, a theologian (someone who studies religion).
See also
- In Spanish: Escalona (Toledo) para niños
