Iglesias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iglesias
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| Comune di Iglesias | |
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| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sardinia |
| Province | Sud Sardegna |
| Area | |
| • Total | 208.23 km2 (80.40 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 200 m (700 ft) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 26,992 |
| • Density | 129.626/km2 (335.730/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
09016
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| Dialing code | 0781 |
| Website | http://www.comune.iglesias.ca.it/ |
Iglesias (which means churches in Spanish) is a historic town and a municipality in Sardinia, Italy. It's located in the Province of Sud Sardegna. As of 2016, about 27,000 people lived there. The town covers an area of about 208 square kilometers and sits 200 meters above sea level. Iglesias is famous for its long history, especially its mining past, and its beautiful old buildings.
Contents
What is Iglesias Like?
Iglesias is a charming town with a rich past. It's known for its many churches, which is how it got its name. The town has a mix of old and new, with ancient buildings standing alongside modern life. It's a great place to learn about Sardinia's history and culture.
Location and Geography
Iglesias is found in the southwestern part of Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy. The town is surrounded by hills and is not far from the sea. This location was important in the past because of the rich mineral deposits in the area. The landscape around Iglesias is quite varied, with mountains, valleys, and even some coastal areas nearby.
How Many People Live Here?
In 2016, the population of Iglesias was around 26,992 people. This makes it one of the larger towns in the Province of Sud Sardegna. The people who live in Iglesias are called Iglesienti.
A Look at History
Iglesias has a very long and interesting history, going back thousands of years. People have lived in this area since ancient times.
Early Settlements
The area where Iglesias is now located was first settled by ancient people. There is evidence of human activity from the prehistoric period. Later, the Phoenicians and Romans came to Sardinia and left their mark on the region. They were interested in the rich mineral resources found here.
Medieval Times
During the Middle Ages, Iglesias became a very important town. It was founded in the 13th century by a Pisan count named Ugolino della Gherardesca. He named it Villa di Chiesa, which also means "town of the church." The town was a major center for mining, especially for silver and lead. This made it very wealthy and powerful.
Spanish Rule
Later, Iglesias came under Spanish rule. The Spanish changed the town's name to Iglesias, which is the name it still has today. They continued to develop the mining industry. Many of the historic buildings you can see in Iglesias today were built during this period.
The Mining Era
The 19th and 20th centuries were a very important time for Iglesias because of its mines. The town was a major center for mining in Italy. Many people worked in the mines, extracting valuable minerals like lead, zinc, and silver. The mining industry shaped the town's economy and its people's lives for a long time.
Mining Schools and Heritage
Because of its mining importance, Iglesias became home to a famous mining school. This school trained engineers and experts from all over Italy. Today, many of the old mines are closed, but they are preserved as part of the town's heritage. You can visit some of them to learn about this important part of Iglesias's past.
What to See and Do
Iglesias has many interesting places to visit, especially if you like history and old buildings.
Historic Buildings
- Santa Chiara Cathedral: This is a beautiful old church that was built in the 13th century. It's one of the most important buildings in Iglesias.
- Medieval Walls: Parts of the old town walls, built in the Middle Ages, can still be seen today. They remind us of the town's defensive past.
- Looming Castle: The remains of a castle, built by the Pisans, stand on a hill overlooking the town. It offers great views.
Mining Museum
The Mining Museum in Iglesias is a must-see. It tells the story of the town's mining history. You can see old tools, machinery, and learn about the lives of the miners. It's a great way to understand how important mining was to Iglesias.
Local Traditions
Iglesias is also known for its local traditions and festivals. One of the most famous is the Holy Week celebrations, which are very old and involve parades and historic costumes. These events show the strong cultural heritage of the town.
Government and Administration
Like all towns in Italy, Iglesias has its own local government.
The Comune
Iglesias is a comune, which is like a municipality or local government area in other countries. The comune is responsible for managing local services, like schools, roads, and public spaces.
The Mayor
The head of the comune is the Mayor. The mayor is elected by the people of Iglesias and works with a council to make decisions for the town. Their job is to help the town run smoothly and improve the lives of its citizens.
Economy and Life Today
While mining was once the main industry, Iglesias's economy has changed over time.
Tourism
Today, tourism is becoming more important for Iglesias. People visit to see its historic sites, learn about its mining past, and enjoy the beautiful Sardinian landscape.
Other Industries
Other industries in Iglesias include agriculture, services, and small businesses. The town continues to adapt and grow, building on its rich history while looking to the future.
