La Algaba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
La Algaba
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Province | Seville | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 18 km2 (7 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 11 m (36 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 16,301 | ||
| • Density | 906/km2 (2,350/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Algabeño, Algabeña | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Website | www.laalgaba.es | ||
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La Algaba is a town in Spain, located in the province of Seville, in the region of Andalusia. About 16,000 people live here. It's only 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) away from the big city of Seville.
This town has a long history, going back to ancient times. It has many old buildings and important churches. The Guadalquivir River is a very important part of La Algaba's story. The river becomes very wide here. Fishing along its banks is a popular activity for local people. La Algaba is also well-known for its many fun festivals.
Contents
History of La Algaba
The first records of a town here are from the early Byzantine Empire (around the 500s CE). These records say that the descendants of an older group called the Turdetan people built a village named Bálbilis in this spot. Later, another group called the Visigoths destroyed this village.
The town's current name, La Algaba, comes from the Arabic words Al-Gaba. This means 'the forest'. In 1247, King Fernando III took control of the area. He then gave it to his son, Don Fadrique.
After Don Fadrique passed away, the land went back to the crown (the king). In 1304, it was given to Don Alfonso de la Cerda. He later gave it to the Duke of Niebla. The area was then ruled by Don Juan Guzman, from the Medina Sidonia family. In the 1500s, King Philip II changed the lordship into a marquisate. This meant it was ruled by a marquis. In the 1800s, a local government was set up for the town.
Culture and Landmarks
Important Buildings and Monuments
La Algaba has several interesting and historic buildings.
- The Iglesia de Santa María de las Nieves (Church of Santa Maria de las Nieves) was built in the Gothic-Mudéjar style. This style mixes European Gothic and Islamic art. The church was damaged by the big 1755 Lisbon earthquake. It was later rebuilt by architects Pedro de San Martín, Tomás Zambrano, and Pedro de Silva.
- The Ermita de la Inmaculada Concepción (Chapel of the Immaculate Conception) has been around since at least 1712 CE. It was repaired in 1929. It still has beautiful sculptures like the Virgen de la Concepción and San Jose.
- The Torre de los Guzmanes (Tower of Guzman) is seen as "the symbol of La Algaba". It was finished in 1446 CE. This tower is 27 meters (about 89 feet) tall. It was built to defend the town and also as a home. However, it was closed in the 1500s.
Other notable places in town include the Church of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, the Ermita de San Salvador, the Bullring, the Old Bridge, and a Roman necropolis (an ancient Roman burial ground).
Natural Areas in La Algaba
The Guadalquivir River
The Guadalquivir River is very important to the history of La Algaba. As it flows through the town, the river becomes quite wide. Its banks are lined with orange orchards and tall poplar trees that lean over the water. Many local people enjoy fishing along the river.
The Rivera de Huelva River
The Rivera de Huelva River is located on the western side of La Algaba. It is near the road that goes towards Santiponce. This river is formed by the joining of two water sources. One is the Brook Galapagar, and the other is water released from the El Gergal reservoir. The Rivera de Huelva River eventually flows into the Guadalquivir River, just past the main town of La Algaba.
Festivals and Celebrations
La Algaba is known for its many lively festivals throughout the year.
- Cabalgata Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade): This parade is celebrated on January 5th.
- Carnaval: A colorful festival celebrated in February.
- Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses): Celebrated on May 3rd.
- Romería de la Purísima Concepción (Pilgrimage of the Immaculate Conception): This pilgrimage takes place on the first Sunday of June.
- Santa Marta: Celebrated on July 29th.
- Fiesta de Septiembre y Feria de los Toros (September Festival and Bullfighting Fair): This big festival is held during the third week of September.
- Los Candevelares (Feast of the Immaculate Conception): Celebrated on December 7th.
Twin Cities
La Algaba has a special connection with another city:
Notable People from La Algaba
Many talented people have come from La Algaba.
- Diego Tristán: A former footballer (soccer player). He played for several teams, including Real Mallorca and Deportivo La Coruña. He also played for the Spanish national team. In 2002, he won the Pichichi Trophy as the top scorer in Spain's league.
- Fernando García: A famous designer and stylist. He won a Goya Award for Best Costume Design for the movie The low island. He has also designed costumes for other films like Cousins and 7 Virgins.
- Pedro Bazan: A footballer from the 1950s. He played for teams like FC Barcelona and Deportivo Corunna. He was also a player for the Spanish Selection.
- Dorita the Algabeña: A popular coplera (singer of Spanish folk songs) in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Jose Rodriguez Dominguez ("Rodri"): A footballer who played for Sevilla F.C. for many years. He also played for the Spanish national team in different age groups.
- Fausto Velázquez Clavijo: The director and founder of the Teatro Algabeño theater group in 1971. He was also a painter, sculptor, and playwright.
- Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart (Duchess of Alba): She held the title of 16th Marchioness of La Algaba.
See also
In Spanish: La Algaba para niños
