Villarreal facts for kids
Villarreal is a lively city in the province of Castellón, which is part of the Valencian Community in Spain. In 2010, about 51,367 people called Villarreal their home. It's known for its orange groves, ceramic industry, and a famous football team!
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Discovering Villarreal
Villarreal is located on the eastern coast of Spain, close to the Mediterranean Sea. It's part of the Plana Baixa region, which is known for its flat lands. The city is situated on the right bank of the Mijares River, which flows nearby. This river is important for the area's water supply and natural beauty.
A Look at History
Villarreal was founded on February 20, 1274, by King James I of Aragon. He wanted to create a royal town to help protect the area. The name "Villarreal" means "Royal Town" in Spanish, showing its connection to the king. It was built with a square shape, and its main streets met at the central square, which is still a key part of the city today.
For many years, Villarreal was a farming town. People grew crops like oranges and other fruits. It also played a role in local conflicts during the Middle Ages. Over time, it grew into a bigger and more modern city.
What Villarreal is Known For
Villarreal is famous for a few things. One of the biggest is its ceramic tile industry. Many factories in and around the city make beautiful tiles used all over the world. This industry provides many jobs and is a major part of the city's economy.
Another important part of Villarreal is its orange groves. The area has a perfect climate for growing citrus fruits. You can often see vast fields of orange trees, especially when they are blooming and the air smells sweet.
Sports and Fun
Villarreal is also very well-known for its football team, Villarreal CF. They are nicknamed "The Yellow Submarine" because of their bright yellow uniforms. The team plays in La Liga, Spain's top football league, and has competed in major European tournaments. Their home stadium is the Estadio de la Cerámica, which means "Ceramic Stadium," a nod to the city's main industry.
The city also has various festivals and traditions throughout the year. These events often include music, dancing, and parades, bringing the community together.
Important Places to See
Villarreal has several interesting buildings and places. The Basilica of S. Pascual is a beautiful church dedicated to Saint Paschal Baylon, who is the patron saint of the city. It's a peaceful place with impressive architecture.
The main square, known as the Plaça Major, is the heart of the city. It's a great place to meet friends, enjoy a snack, or watch people go by. This square has been important since the city was founded.
Local Government
Like any city, Villarreal has a local government that helps run things. The city council, led by the mayor, makes decisions about public services, city planning, and local events. They work to make Villarreal a good place to live for everyone.
Images for kids
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The city's former Valencian name, Vilareal, adorns its representative in a tapestry of the 1592 Valencian Parliament
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Mijares river passing through Villarreal
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Main square
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Monument of Francisco Tárrega in Villarreal
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Villarreal CF playing at the Estadio de la Cerámica
See also
In Spanish: Villarreal para niños
