Utebo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Utebo, Spain
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
|
|||
| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Aragon | ||
| Province | Zaragoza | ||
| Municipality | Utebo | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 17.9 km2 (6.9 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 207 m (679 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
|
|||
| • Total | 18,602 | ||
| • Density | 1,039.2/km2 (2,692/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| ZIP Code |
50180
|
||
| Website | http://www.ayto-utebo.es/ | ||
Utebo (which is called Utevo in the Aragonese language) is a lively town in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. It is a very important town in the region. In 2011, about 18,602 people lived there. This makes Utebo the third largest town in its province. Only the cities of Zaragoza and Calatayud have more people. It is also one of the biggest towns in all of Aragon.
Contents
Exploring Utebo: Where Is It?
Utebo is located in a flat area near the River Ebro. The town is divided into three main parts. These parts are the Old Town, El Monte, and the Malpica neighborhood. El Monte was built up in the 1940s. Malpica is next to the Casetas neighborhood, which is part of Zaragoza.
Utebo's Surroundings
Utebo is part of an area called Campo de Zaragoza. It is the most populated town in this area, besides the capital city itself. The town shares its borders with a few other places. To the west, it borders the Casetas neighborhood. To the north, it borders Alfocea. Garrapinillos is to the south, and Zaragoza is to the east.
Farming and Water in Utebo
A big part of Utebo's land is used for farming. About 67% of the town's area is farmland. A large portion of this farmland, about 70%, gets water from canals. These canals bring water from the River Ebro and the River Jalon. The Imperial Canal of Aragon also helps supply water for farming.
A Look Back: Utebo's History
The name Utebo comes from an old Latin word, 'Octavius'. The town of Octavius was founded a very long time ago. It was created between 24 and 13 BC, at the same time as Caesar Augusta (which is now Zaragoza).
Becoming a Christian Town
In 1118, a king named Alfonso the Battler took over Zaragoza. After this, Utebo became part of the Christian kingdoms. At that time, Utebo was a small place with only 115 people living there.
Growth and Independence
The Peninsular War in 1808 caused many people to leave Utebo. The town was almost empty. However, after 1850, the number of people living in Utebo started to grow again. By 1850, there were 585 people. In 1906, Utebo officially became its own independent municipality. This meant it could manage its own local government.
People of Utebo: Population Growth
Utebo has grown a lot over the years. In 1900, only 1,799 people lived there. By 2012, the population had increased to 18,281 inhabitants. This means the number of people living in Utebo grew by ten times in just over a hundred years!
Utebo's Economy: How People Make a Living
The main ways people earn money in Utebo are through farming and industry.
Farming in Utebo
Farmers in Utebo grow many different crops. The most important crops include fresh vegetables, corn, and various types of cereals.
Industry and Business Parks
Utebo has a large area for businesses and factories. This industrial zone is located along the N-232 road. This road connects Zaragoza and the Casetas neighborhood. There are five industrial parks in this area. They are called El Águila, La Casaza, La Estación, San Idelfonso, and Utebo. The Utebo industrial park is the biggest one. The industries here make many different things. These include metal products, construction materials, chemicals, furniture, and food items.
Amazing Places to See in Utebo
Utebo has some interesting old buildings and cultural spots.
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a very special building. It was built in two main stages. The first part was built in the 1500s. It shows a mix of Gothic and Mudejar styles. The second part was added in the 1700s in the Baroque style.
The Tower of the Mirrors
The church has a beautiful Mudejar tower. It is known as Torre de los Espejos, which means "Tower of the Mirrors". This is because it is decorated with more than 8,000 ceramic tiles that shine like mirrors. Many people think it is one of the most beautiful towers in Aragon. You can even see a copy of it in the Pueblo Español de Barcelona.
Inside the Church
Inside the church, there is a large altarpiece made of gilded wood. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This altarpiece is a mix of Baroque and Rococo styles from the 1700s. There are also two other altarpieces. These are dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and to the Sacred Heart.
Old Houses and Important Buildings
In the Old Town of Utebo, you can see many old brick houses. These houses usually have three floors. They often have a main entrance with a rounded arch. On the top floor, they have open galleries with flat tops. The roofs often have special brick, wood, or tile edges.
Modern Centers in Plaza de la Constitución
In the Plaza de la Constitución, you will find some important buildings. These include the Town Hall, where local government works. There is also the Day Centre, and the 'El Molino' Centre. The 'El Molino' Centre is built on the remains of an old mill. This mill was once used to make flour. It is the only old building left in the El Monte area.
Cultural Heritage: Museums and Art
Utebo also has a place for culture and art.
Mariano Mesonada Cultural Centre
The Centro Cultural Mariano Mesonada is a museum and cultural center. Inside this center, you can find the Museo Orús (Orus Museum). This museum displays many paintings by José Orús, who was a famous artist from Aragon.
Fun Times: Utebo's Festivities
Utebo celebrates two main festivals each year.
- Celebrations of San Lamberto are held on June 19.
- Celebrations of Santa Ana take place on July 26.
Friends Around the World: Twin Towns
Utebo has a special friendship with another town. This is called a "twin town" relationship.
- Plaisance-du-Touch, France
Famous People from Utebo
- J. J. Arcega-Whiteside (born 1996), an American football wide receiver.
See also
In Spanish: Utebo para niños
