Maqueda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maqueda
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 Maqueda
Location in Castilla-La Mancha
Maqueda
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Castile-La Mancha |
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| Province | Toledo | ||
| Comarca | Torrijos | ||
| Judicial district | Torrijos | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 78 km2 (30 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 501 m (1,644 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 461 | ||
| • Density | 5.91/km2 (15.31/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Maquedano, na | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
45515
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| Dialing code | 925 | ||
Maqueda is a small town in Spain. It is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Madrid and 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Toledo. Maqueda is part of the autonomous community called Castilla-La Mancha. It is also in the province of Toledo.
The town is most famous for its amazing castle. This castle is known as the Castillo de la Vela. It is very old and has been kept in great condition.
Contents
What Does the Name Maqueda Mean?
The name "Maqueda" has an interesting history. Some experts think it comes from an Arabic word, Maqqada. This word means "stable," "firm," or "solid."
Other experts believe the name comes from another Arabic word, Makîda. This word means "strategically located" or "strong place." Both ideas suggest that Maqueda was an important and well-protected spot.
Exploring the Castillo de la Vela
The Castillo de la Vela is also called the Castillo de Maqueda. You can find it just outside the town. This castle was first built by the Moors. Later, in the 1400s, it was rebuilt and made much bigger.
Over time, the government took over the castle. They set up a police station, called a Guardia Civil post, inside it. This helped to keep the castle safe and preserved for the future.
Castle Design and Defenses
The castle has a rectangular shape. It sits on two different levels of ground. This design helped to make it very strong.
The castle has thick walls, about 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) wide. It also has moats on two sides to keep enemies away. Many round towers stand tall around the castle. These towers added to its defenses.
You can walk around the outside of the castle for free. However, visitors are not allowed to go inside the castle building itself.
A Protected Monument
The Castillo de la Vela is very important. On June 3, 1931, it was officially named an artistic historical monument. This means it is a protected site because of its history and beauty.
See Also
