Zamora, Spain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zamora
Municipality
Zamora over the Duero river Cathedral City walls Stone bridge
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Castile and León
Province	Zamora
Area
• Total	149.28 km2 (57.64 sq mi)
Elevation	652 m (2,139 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	61,827
• Density	414.168/km2 (1,072.69/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Zamoranos
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	49001–49028
Dialing code	980
Climate	BSk

Zamora (Spanish: [θaˈmoɾa]) is a city and municipality in Spain. It is located in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Zamora is the capital of the province of Zamora. The city sits right on the Duero river.

Zamora is famous for its many Romanesque style churches. There are 24 of these churches from the 12th and 13th centuries. Because of this, Zamora is often called a "museum of Romanesque art." It has more Romanesque churches than any other city in Europe! The most important celebration in Zamora is Holy Week, which is a big event every year.

Zamora is part of the natural area called comarca of Tierra del Pan. It is also the main city for the judicial district of Zamora.

History of Zamora

Early Beginnings and Roman Times

The city of Zamora was first built a very long time ago, during the Bronze Age. Later, during the Iron Age, a Celtic group called the Vacceos lived there. They called the city Ocalam.

After the Romans won a battle against a hero named Viriathus, they took over the settlement. The Romans named it Occelum Durii or Ocellodurum. This name means "Eye of the Duero" river. During Roman rule, it was part of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis. The city was on an important road that connected Mérida to Astorga.

Later, during the time of the Visigothic king Sisebuto, coins show that the city was known as "Semure."

Medieval Period and Conflicts

Around the 710s, the city was taken over during the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. A group of Berber soldiers stayed there. However, after some conflicts between Arab and Berber groups, Alfonso I of Asturias took control of the area. Not much was written about Zamora during this time.

In 893–894 AD, Alfonso III of Asturias decided to bring Christian people back to the area. A church district and a bishop were set up in the early 10th century. Builders from Toledo, called Mozarabs, helped construct buildings. Zamora became one of the most successful Christian cities in Iberia in the early 10th century. It might even have been bigger than León at that time.

Zamora was attacked several times. In 901, Ibn al-Qitt tried to invade the city but failed. During the time of the Caliphate, Almanzor finally captured the city in 966. Zamora returned to Christian control when Alfonso V of León was king.

Growth and Important Events

From the early 11th century, efforts were made to repopulate Zamora. Many people moved there, including nobles, church leaders, and settlers from different parts of Europe and Spain. A new set of city walls was also built in the 11th century. In 1208, Zamora was given a special set of laws called a fuero.

One of the most famous events in Zamora's history happened in 1072. King Sancho II of Castile was killed outside the city walls. Years before, King Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms among his children. His daughter, Doña Urraca, received Zamora, which was a very strong city. Her brothers fought among themselves. Sancho won, but Zamora, led by Urraca and her allies, resisted him.

Sancho II, with help from El Cid, surrounded Zamora. However, a noble from Zamora named Bellido Dolfos tricked King Sancho II into a private meeting and murdered him. After Sancho's death, his brother Alfonso VI of León became king again. A gate in the city, called the Portillo de la Traición (Treason Gate), remembers this event.

In the late Middle Ages, Zamora was one of the 17 cities that had a vote in the Cortes of the Crown of Castile. This was an important assembly.

Zamora also saw fierce fighting in the 15th century. This was during a conflict between supporters of Isabella the Catholic and Juana la Beltraneja. There's a Spanish saying, No se ganó Zamora en una hora, which means Zamora wasn't won in an hour. This refers to these battles. It's like the English saying "Rome wasn't built in a day."

During the 12th century, Zamora was very important because of its location. It was a key city in the wars between the Kingdom of León and the Almoravids and Almohads. Because of this, the city still has many old churches and buildings from that time.

Henry IV gave Zamora the special title of "most noble and most loyal city."

View of the city of Zamora around 1570, drawn by Anton van den Wyngaerde.

Later Years and Modern Times

In the fall of 1520, the city supported the Revolt of the Comuneros. The official leader appointed by the king was removed and replaced by a local leader chosen by the community. However, the rebels were defeated in a major battle in April 1521.

In the Early Modern Period, Zamora became less important in politics and business. Many people moved away, especially to South America, where new cities were named Zamora.

By 1797, the city had about 10,171 people.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), there were difficult times in Zamora. A book called 'A Death in Zamora' tells a story from this period.

Geography

Location of Zamora

Zamora is located in the northwest part of the Iberian Peninsula. The city is about 649 meters (2,130 feet) above sea level. It is built around a rocky hill near the Duero river. The city is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) upstream from the Portuguese border.

The total area of the Zamora municipality is 149.28 square kilometers (57.64 square miles).

Climate in Zamora

Zamora has a cold semi-arid climate. This means it has cool winters and hot summers. Most of the rain falls in spring and autumn. Summers are usually dry.

The hottest temperature ever recorded was 41.8 °C (105 °F) on July 14, 2022. The coldest temperature was −13.4 °C (8 °F) on January 16, 1945. Fog is common during winter mornings, which makes temperatures feel even colder.

Main Sights and Attractions

Zamora has many interesting places to visit:

Dome and tower of the Zamora Cathedral

Medieval stone bridge over river Duero.

• Zamora Cathedral: This beautiful church is built in the Romanesque style. It dates back to the 12th century and was built in just 23 years.
• Medieval Castle: Explore the old castle of Zamora.
• Palacio de los Condes de Alba y Aliste: This palace was built in 1459. It has a lovely courtyard and a staircase with carvings by artists from Lombardy.
• Calle Balborraz: A historic street in the city.
• Church of San Pedro y San Ildefonso: This church was built starting in the 11th century. It was later updated in the Romanesque style in the 12th–13th centuries. It has one main room with arched ceilings.
• Church of Santa María Magdalena: The southern side of this church is in Romanesque style from the 13th century.
• Church of San Isidoro: Built in the 12th century, this church has one main room and a square main chapel.
• Church of San Claudio de Olivares: Known since the 12th century, this small church has a single room and a rounded end. Its columns have interesting carvings.
• Church of San Juan de Puerta Nueva: This church has a beautiful 12th-century stained glass circular window, which is a symbol of Zamora.
• Church of Santa María la Nueva: This church dates back to the 12th century, and its baptism area is from the 13th century.
• Church of Santiago de los Caballeros: Built in the 11th century, this church is outside the city walls. It's famous because El Cid was made a knight here.
• Church of Santiago El Burgo: The southern side of this church shows its 12th-century Romanesque style.
• City Walls: Zamora has three sets of old city walls from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries.
• Museo de Semana Santa de Zamora: This museum is across from the Church of Santa María la Nueva. It is dedicated to Semana Santa de Zamora, which is a very special celebration in the city. The museum has a large collection of pasos, which are figures carried in parades by different groups.
• Museo de Zamora: This local history museum has old artifacts and displays. They show the history of the region from prehistoric times to Roman and modern eras.

Surroundings of Zamora

• Arcenillas church: This church has 15th-century paintings.
• Hiniesta church: This Gothic church has sculptures and murals.
• The Church of San Pedro de la Nave: Located in the village of El Campillo, about 12 km (7.5 miles) away. It was built in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. It is one of the best-preserved Visigothic churches in Spain. It was moved stone by stone and rebuilt when a reservoir was constructed in its original spot.

Transportation

Zamora has a Zamora Railway Station that is part of Spain's high-speed rail network. All major Spanish bus companies and some local ones operate from the Estación de Autobuses de Zamora. This connects Zamora to nearby cities like Salamanca and Benavente, as well as bigger cities like Valladolid and Madrid. You can also travel to other parts of Spain and Europe from here.

Food Specialties

Aceitadas [es] are typically consumed during Easter.

Zamora is known for its delicious food! Some specialties include:

• Pulses: Like chickpeas, especially from Fuentesauco.
• Cheese: Made from sheep's milk.
• Honey: From Sanabria.
• Vegetables: Such as asparagus from Guareña and peppers from Benavente.
• Meats: Steak from Aliste, mushrooms, and game meats.
• Toro wines: These are very dark, almost black wines. They are becoming famous for their taste and quality.

Traditional dishes include:

• Bacalao a la tranca: A cod fish dish.
• Pulpo a la sanabresa: An octopus dish.
• Dos y pingada: Two fried eggs with fried ham, often eaten during Easter.
• Presas de ternera: A beef dish.

For dessert, try the rebojo Zamorano, a tasty bun, or las natillas almendradas, which is Spanish-style custard with almonds.

Famous People from Zamora

• Ángel Nieto (1947–2017): A legendary motorcycle racer. He won many Grand Prix World Championships. He is considered a national hero in Spain. The local sports center is named after him.
• Leopoldo Alas, also known as "Clarín": A Spanish novelist born in Zamora. A street in Zamora is named after him.
• Agustín Remesal: A journalist who worked as a TV correspondent and is also a writer.
• Ramón Álvarez: Born in Zamora, he created many of the figures carried in the Holy Week parades.
• Emilio Merchán: A multi-time world champion in canoeing.
• Carlos Llamas: A national radio news presenter.
• Mirelio Guapo: A NASA engineer who directed the Apollo 11 Mission.
• Manuel Pérez (1735 - 1819): He served as Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana between 1787 and 1792.
• Sergio Reguilón: A footballer who started his career with Real Madrid. He plays as a left-back for Tottenham Hotspur and the Spain National team.
• Jacob ibn Habib (1460-1516): A famous Jewish scholar who wrote about the Talmud.

Sister Cities

Zamora has friendly connections with these cities:

• Bragança, Portugal (since 1984).
• Oviedo, Spain (since 2001).
• Yaritagua, Venezuela.
• Altagracia de Orituco, Venezuela.

See also

In Spanish: Zamora para niños