Zarza la Mayor Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Zarza la Mayor, Spain

municipality

Peñafiel Palace in Zarza la Mayor

Flag	Coat of arms

Municipality

Zarza la Mayor

Area

• Total

170.28 km² (65.75 sq mi)

Elevation

304 m (997 ft)

Population

(2018)

• Total

1,258

• Density

7.3878/km² (19.134/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Zarza la Mayor is a town in Spain. It is located in the province of Cáceres, which is part of the Extremadura region. In 2018, about 1,258 people lived there.

This town is the most western place in the "Las Vegas de Alagón" area. It is also the only town in its region that shares a border with Portugal.

Where is Zarza la Mayor Located?
A Look at Zarza la Mayor's History
- Famous Castles and Forts
- Becoming a Town and Times of Trouble
Important Buildings and Monuments
Images for kids
See also

Where is Zarza la Mayor Located?

Zarza la Mayor is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from a town called Salvaterra do Extremo in Portugal. A main road, the EX-117, goes right through Zarza la Mayor. This road connects the towns of Moraleja and Alcantara.

A Look at Zarza la Mayor's History

Zarza la Mayor was very important during the time of the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors were people from North Africa who came to Spain a long time ago. You can still see old castles, or "strongholds," from that time.

Famous Castles and Forts

Two important castles are Racha-Rachel and Bernardo Castle. Racha-Rachel was later called Peñafiel by the Christians. After the Christians took back the land during the 'reconquista', many areas were left empty.

To help manage the land, the military order of Alcantara created an 'Encomienda'. This was like assigning an area to landlords to take care of it. This specific area was called 'Encomienda de Peñafiel y la Çarça'.

Becoming a Town and Times of Trouble

Zarza la Mayor officially became a "Villa" (a type of town) in 1356. The town had a great period of growth in the 1500s. However, this good time ended when the Portuguese Restoration War began.

During this war, between 1665 and 1668, people living in Zarza la Mayor had to leave their homes. They were forced out by Portuguese soldiers. Later, they were able to return between 1705 and 1713, during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Important Buildings and Monuments

Because of its long and interesting history, Zarza la Mayor has many old buildings to see.

The San Andrés Apóstol church is one of them. It was recognized as a special historical site in 1982.
There are also other old chapels and castles to explore.