It was founded by Marcus Porcius Cato, in the year 193 BC. Around 1237 it was conquered from the Moors by King James I, before being granted its charter in 1367. Subsequently, the town was inherited, returned to the crown, and then sold to the Duke of Calabria. On his death, the town was bequeathed to the monks of the San Miguel de los Reyes monastery, who controlled the town until the seizure and sale of church property in the 18th century.
At the beginning of the century, it was fully agriculture-based, whereas nowadays, this activity has been relegated to the background, with most of the population employed in the services sector: trade, construction, small industries, etc.
Discover the Plaza Mayor (main square) and Town Hall, wander up Calle Castillo (castle street) to the Church and farm lands, exlore the area around Calle Carolinas, and visit Calle Serrallo and La Rampa (the ramp).
The town rises up 560 metres above sea level. It has cool, healthy weather, transitioning between Mediterranean and continental climates, surrounded by hills, and is irrigated by the river Palancia. It spans an area of 50 km2. Its terrain is made up of limestone, with hills, gullies, mountains, ravines, and some low-lying plains.
Economy
At the beginning of the century, it was fully agriculture-based, whereas nowadays, this activity has been relegated to the background, with most of the population employed in the services sector: trade, construction, small industries, etc.
What to see
Discover the Plaza Mayor (main square) and Town Hall, wander up Calle Castillo (castle street) to the Church and farm lands, exlore the area around Calle Carolinas, and visit Calle Serrallo and La Rampa (the ramp).
Landscape
The town rises up 560 metres above sea level. It has cool, healthy weather, transitioning between Mediterranean and continental climates, surrounded by hills, and is irrigated by the river Palancia. It spans an area of 50 km2. Its terrain is made up of limestone, with hills, gullies, mountains, ravines, and some low-lying plains.
