Santa Cruz de Mudela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santa Cruz de Mudela
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 Santa Cruz de Mudela
Location in Spain
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Castile-La Mancha |
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| Province | Ciudad Real | |
| Comarca | Manserja | |
| Commonwealth | Manserja | |
| Founded | 13th century | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 134.60 km2 (51.97 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 732 m (2,402 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 4,154 | |
| • Density | 30.862/km2 (79.932/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Santacruceño | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
13730
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| Official language(s) | Spanish | |
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Santa Cruz de Mudela is a town in Spain. It is located in the Province of Ciudad Real. This province is part of the Castilla–La Mancha region. Santa Cruz de Mudela is a "municipality," which means it is a local government area.
Contents
Geography and Climate
Santa Cruz de Mudela has a special kind of weather. It's called a Mediterranean-Continental climate. This means the winters are cold and the summers are warm. There isn't much rain throughout the year.
History of Santa Cruz de Mudela
Early Settlements and Ancient Times
People have lived in the Santa Cruz de Mudela area for a very long time. Scientists have found old tools and remains from over 4,000 years ago. These discoveries were made in the northern parts of the Meadow of Medula.
Later, between the 7th and 2nd centuries BCE, an ancient tribe called the Oretans lived here. They were part of the Iberian people. A place called Cerro de las Cabezas shows that this region was an important Oretan settlement.
Roman and Moorish Influence
After the Oretans, the area became part of the Roman Empire. Later, the Visigoths took control. You can still see Roman influence in the town's love for wine. Many vineyards in the region show this long history.
Around the 8th century, the Moors conquered Spain. They brought their own culture. Wine became less important in Santa Cruz de Mudela. The town mostly stored grain for other areas.
Founding the Modern Town
In 1212 CE, a big change happened. King Alfonso VIII of Castile and the Order of Calatrava fought against the Moors. After this, the people of Santa Cruz de Mudela moved. They built a new town center around a well called the Good Well. This is where the town center is today.
The name "Santa Cruz de Mudela" comes from the 13th century. "Santa Cruz" means "Holy Cross." Some stories say it refers to a cross carried by Christians in a famous battle in 1212. Other sources suggest it means "Holy Cross" because the town was at a crossroads in the Meadow of Mudela. This meadow was near a mountain pass that led into central Spain.
The Marquesses of Santa Cruz
In 1538, a man named Don Álvaro the Elder bought the towns of Santa Cruz de Mudela and Viso del Puerto. He paid a lot of money for them. This gave him control over the towns.
His son, Don Álvaro de Bazán the Younger, became the first Marquis of Santa Cruz. A Marquis is a noble title, like a duke or a count. He built a palace and a convent for the Franciscan monks. The Bazán family was very important in Spain. Don Álvaro de Bazán the Younger was a famous admiral for King Felipe II.
The War of Independence
Santa Cruz de Mudela played a part in Spain's fight against Napoleon Bonaparte. On June 5, 1808, local farmers fought French troops. They defeated 700 French soldiers, killing 109 and capturing 113.
Later in 1808, Santa Cruz de Mudela was a key place for the Spanish army. They prepared for a big battle called the Battle of Ocaña from here.
19th Century to Today
In the 1800s, Santa Cruz de Mudela became famous for its skilled workers. They made high-quality swords and knives. These blades were as good as those made in famous cities like Toledo and Albacete.
Important Places to See
- Plaza and Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes: This is a beautiful square and a holy place.
- Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: A church dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.
- Church of San José: Another important church in the town.
- Convent-School of Concepcionistas Misioneras de la Enseñanza: This building serves as both a convent and a school.
Mayors of Santa Cruz Since 1979
The mayor is the leader of the town. Here are the people who have been mayor of Santa Cruz de Mudela since 1979:
- 1979: Juan Bustos (UCD)
- 1979: Juan Valverde (UCD) (took over when Juan Bustos resigned)
- 1983: Antonio Cobos (PSOE)
- 1987: Antonio Cobos (PSOE)
- 1989: José Antonio López Aranda (PSOE)
- 1991: José Antonio López Aranda (PSOE)
- 1995: José Antonio López Aranda (PSOE)
- 1999: José Antonio López Aranda (PSOE)
- 2003: José Antonio López Aranda (PSOE)
- 2007: Manuel Saéz Laguna (PVISCM)
Famous People from Santa Cruz
- D. Alfonso López de Molina y Martínez Domingo (born in 1600)
- P. Francisco González
- D. Máximo Laguna Villanueva: A well-known botanist and forester.
- Dª. María del Rosario Laguna and Laguna
- D. Antonio Muñoz Patón
- D. Juan de Mata Castro y Cacho
- D. Antonio Senén Castro y Cacho
- D. Leandro Delgado Fernández
- D. Miguel Ramírez Lasala
- D. Miguel Laguna Campos
- D. José Casado Bustos
See also
In Spanish: Santa Cruz de Mudela para niños
