Puçol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Puçol
Puzol
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 Puçol
Location in Province of Valencia
Puçol
Location in Valencian Community
Puçol
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Valencian Community |
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| Province | Valencia | ||
| Comarca | Horta Nord | ||
| Judicial district | Massamagrell | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 18.06 km2 (6.97 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 25 m (82 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 19,455 | ||
| • Density | 1,077.2/km2 (2,790.0/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Puçolenc, Puçolenca | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postal code |
46530
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| Official language(s) | Valencian | ||
Puçol (also known as Puzol in Spanish) is a town in Spain. It is located in the province of Valencia, which is part of the Valencian Community. Puçol belongs to an area called Horta Nord. The town is bordered by El Puig to the south and Sagunt to the north. As of 2021, Puçol has about 19,975 residents.
Contents
Exploring Puçol's Geography
Puçol is located in the northern part of the Horta of Valencia, a fertile plain. The town's landscape changes from west to east. In the west, you'll find mountains with areas like Los Monasterios and Monte Picayo. Moving east, there's a flat area where the main town is built. Further east, you reach the coast, which has flat and sometimes marshy land. This coastal area is known as Playa Puçol. A special part of the northern coast is a protected marshland called La Marjal dels Moros.
Main Areas of Puçol
Puçol is divided into several important areas:
- Puçol (the main town)
- Beach / Platja Puçol (the coastal area)
- Monte Picayo (a mountainous area)
- Los Monasterios (another mountainous area)
- Alfinach (a residential area)
A Look at Puçol's History
The history of Puçol began long ago. In 1242, King Jaume I gave the land to a person named Asalit Gudal. He was asked to bring 40 Christian families to live there. A year later, the land was sold back to the king. The king then gave half of the village to the Bishop of Valencia and the other half to the Roncesvalles convent.
In 1317, the Archbishop of Valencia gave a special document, called a municipal charter, to 39 families. This charter allowed them to live in Puçol and farm the land. In return, they had to give a part of their crops to the local lord.
The main church in Puçol, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was built in 1607. It replaced an older church from 1359.
The Battle of Puçol
An important historical event for Puçol was the Battle of Sagunto, also known as the Battle of Puçol. This battle happened on October 25, 1811. It was part of the Peninsular War, which was a conflict during the time of Napoleon. The main fighting took place between the town and the nearby Sierra Calderona mountains.
Puçol's Economy and Industries
For a long time, Puçol's economy was mostly based on farming. But since the 1950s, things have changed. Now, many industries have grown in the area. This is partly because of the large steel plant located nearby in the Port of Sagunto.
Even with new industries, farming is still important. Farmers grow citrus fruits, which are the biggest crop. They also grow other fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, onions, corn, and potatoes. Besides crops, there is also some farming of sheep and cattle.
Discovering Puçol's Monuments
Puçol has several interesting old buildings and structures that tell its story.
- Santos Juanes Church: This beautiful church was built in 1607. It has a tall, wide main area and a magnificent golden altar inside. The outside of the church looks very elegant and classic.
- Santa Martas Church: Built in 1964, this church is known for its simple design and how it uses natural light. What makes it special is that the local people helped build it themselves. Inside, you can see artworks like an altarpiece and sculptures of the Immaculate Conception and the Christ of Hope.
- The Lookout Tower: This tower was built around the 14th century. Its purpose was to protect the people from attacks by rebels, bandits, and pirates. From the top, people could see the sea and the surrounding mountains. It's a square tower, about 10 meters tall, and is considered the oldest house in town. Today, the tower has been restored and shows off its old stone and brick.
- Wall of the Archbishop's Palace: For many years, Puçol was owned by the Archbishop of Valencia. In 1607, the Archbishop's Palace was built next to the church. Today, you can still see parts of its old stone wall with round towers topped with blue and white tiles.
- Windmill: This old windmill is believed to be from the Saracen period (a very long time ago). It stopped working in the first half of the last century. It's considered an important historical building because there are very few windmills like it left in Valencia.
- Home Heart of Jesus: This is the last remaining old gate that used to close off the town until the 19th century. It's located on Knights Street.
Fun Places to Visit in Puçol
Puçol offers several interesting spots for visitors and locals to enjoy.
- Municipal Finca La Costera: This large municipal farm is located in the western part of town. It covers over 500,000 square meters and has a youth hostel for visitors. There are also recreation areas and parts reforested with pine trees and local plants. It has been named a Natural City.
- Puçol Beach: The beach has been awarded a blue flag, which means it has high water quality and good services for tourists. During the summer, the beach offers many activities like a toy library, health care, a street market, free umbrellas, lifeguards, and aerobics.
- The Pond: This is another point of interest in the area.
Puçol's Exciting Holidays and Celebrations
Puçol celebrates several lively festivals throughout the year.
- Festivals and Employers: These main festivals are held from September 1st to 9th, honoring the Virgin at the foot of the Cross. They include popular events, music, exhibitions, sports, and religious ceremonies for all ages.
- Saint John (San Juan): Celebrated from June 22nd to 24th, this festival features cultural events and bullfighting. It's known for the "bull in the street" tradition, which is the first bull event of the year.
- Fallas: From March 14th to 19th, Puçol celebrates Fallas. There are four Fallas groups in Puçol. They organize cultural activities, build large artistic monuments called "fallas," play games, have dances, parades, and flower offerings. The festival ends with the burning of the "fallas" monuments.
- Fiesta de San Antonio Abad: This festival takes place on the weekend closest to January 17th. It includes traditional events like "oxen in the street," bonfires, fire-runs, and the blessing of animals.
- Fiesta de San Miguel: This is the oldest neighborhood festival in Puçol, held from September 25th to 29th. It features religious events, parades, street dinners, children's playgrounds, and fireworks.
Famous People from Puçol
- José Claramunt "Pep Claramunt" (born 1946), a famous former footballer who played for Valencia CF and the Spain national football team.
See also
In Spanish: Puzol para niños
