Santa Coloma de Queralt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santa Coloma de Queralt
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Municipality
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 Santa Coloma de Queralt
Location in Province of Tarragona
Santa Coloma de Queralt
Location in Catalonia
Santa Coloma de Queralt
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
| Community |  Catalonia |
| Province |  Tarragona |
| Comarca |  Conca de Barberà |
| Area | |
| • Total | 33.8 km2 (13.1 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 674 m (2,211 ft) |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 2,697 |
| • Density | 79.79/km2 (206.7/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Colomís |
| Postal code |
43420
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Santa Coloma de Queralt is a town in Catalonia, Spain. It is a municipality located in the comarca (region) called Conca de Barberà. The town is in the northeast part of this region. It is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) away from the city of Tarragona. The C-241 road connects Santa Coloma de Queralt to other towns in its region and to Igualada.
Contents
History of Santa Coloma de Queralt
Early Beginnings of the Town
In the year 976, a leader named Borrell II, Count of Barcelona, sold the castle of Queralt. He also sold the land around it to Viscount Guitart. By 1018, new castles were built in Santa Coloma and other important places. The Gurb-Queralt family took control of the area. They ruled this region for the next 200 years.
A Growing Market Town
By the late 1200s, Santa Coloma de Queralt became a very important center. It was a busy market town. People came here to buy and sell goods from other parts of the Mediterranean. This trade made the town grow. Many Jewish families moved to Santa Coloma because of the business opportunities. By the early 1300s, about one-third of the town's houses were home to Jewish families.
The Catalan Revolt
In the mid-1600s, a conflict known as the Catalan Revolt began. This happened because Spanish troops stayed in Catalonia during a war between France and Spain. Dalmau de Queralt, Count of Santa Coloma, was the Spanish viceroy (a ruler representing the king) of Catalonia at that time. He was killed by rebels early in the revolt. After the war ended, the town went back under the control of the Queralt family.
Exploring Santa Coloma de Queralt
Santa Coloma de Queralt is a town full of history. There are many interesting places to visit.
Ancient Town Walls and Castles
You can still see parts of the old town walls. There are four medieval gateways that were once entrances to the walled town. You can also find the remains of two old castles: Castles d'Aguiló and Queralt. The Palace of the Counts of Queralt is a very grand building.
Town Squares and Streets
The town has two main squares. They are called Plaça Major and Plaça de l’Església. Both squares have buildings with porticos, which are covered walkways. The building that now holds the town hall is called the Casa de la Villa. The old Jewish neighborhood has small, winding streets that are fun to explore.
Churches of the Town
The Gothic church of Santa Coloma was built in the 14th century. Another important church is Santa Maria de Bell-lloc. It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a Gothic style but also features a Romanesque entrance. Inside, you can see a beautiful alabaster tomb. This tomb belongs to the Counts of Queralt and dates back to 1370.
See also
In Spanish: Santa Coloma de Queralt para niños
