Mejorada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mejorada, Spain
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Castile-La Mancha | ||
| Province | Toledo | ||
| Municipality | Mejorada | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 46 km2 (18 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 548 m (1,798 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 1,265 | ||
| • Density | 27.50/km2 (71.2/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
Mejorada is a small town located in the province of Toledo, which is part of the Castile-La Mancha region in Spain. In 2017, about 2,809 people lived here.
Contents
What's in a Name?
This town was first called 'Malpartida'. This name meant 'Badly distributed' in Spanish. It was given because it was hard to decide if the town belonged to the lands of Ávila, Oropesa, or Talavera.
In the 14th century, the town grew. Its name was changed to 'Mejorada'. This means 'Improved' in Spanish. The new name was chosen because the town's location became better. It also helped the people feel more positive about their home.
Where is Mejorada Located?
Mejorada is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) north of Talavera de la Reina. It sits in a region called the 'Sierra de San Vicente'. This area is a smaller part of the Talavera region.
Mejorada is next to Montesclarod to the north. Segurilla is to the east. Talavera is to the south, and Velada is to the west.
The town is found between two rivers: the Tagus River and the Tiétar River. This specific area is known as 'El Berrocal'.
The Guadyerbas River forms the northern border of the town's land. Several smaller streams also flow through the area. The largest of these streams is called Riolobos.
Cool Places to See
The Old Castle
Mejorada has the remains of an old castle. It is located about 250 meters (800 feet) southeast of the town center.
People believe the castle was built in the 13th century. It was part of the new Estate of Mejorada. King Sancho IV of Castile gave the town to a knight named Juan García de Toledo in July 1288. He became the first Lord of Mejorada.
The castle was built to show the power of the lords. It helped them stand strong against the council of Talavera. The castle became a symbol of the strength of the noble families.
The castle is shaped like a square, with sides about 78 feet long. It has round towers at each corner. The main entrance faces west. A large, rectangular tower from the Middle Ages stands in this wall. The walls are made of stone and brick and are about 5 feet thick.
Today, the castle is mostly in ruins. Only two walls and parts of two others are still standing.
Our Lady of the Assumption Church
The Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built mostly from lime and stone. This was a common building style in the area. The church dates back to the 15th century. It is dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Assumption'.
The church has one main room and a cross-shaped section. It has a two-level tower facing west. The main altar faces east, and the front door faces south. The ceiling is made of wooden beams. These beams are arranged in a slanted way, creating the shape of the roof.
The Watchtower
The Watchtower is about 600 meters (2,000 feet) south of the town center. It stands on top of Atalaya Hill, which is about 580 meters (1,900 feet) high. The tower has a round base, about 1.70 meters (5.5 feet) across. It is currently about 2.80 meters (9.2 feet) tall. It is built from stone and a mix of lime and sand.
This Watchtower was part of a group of lookout towers. Other towers were in Velada, El Casar, Segurilla, and Cardiel. These towers were likely built during Islamic times. Later, Christians used them until the Middle Ages.
From the Watchtower, you can see the Tagus River valley to the south. You can also see the Guadyerbas River to the north. You can even spot the watchtowers at El Casar to the west and Segurilla to the east. The Castle of Mejorada is also visible, about 540 meters (1,450 feet) north.
Fun Festivals
- May 15: This day celebrates Isidore the Laborer, known locally as San Isidro.
- Last weekend of August: This is the festival of Cristo de la Tabla.
See also
In Spanish: Mejorada para niños
