Zamora is a city in Castile-Leon, Spain, the capital of the province of Zamora. It lies on a rocky hill in the northwest, near the frontier with Portugal and crossed by the Duero river, which some 50km/30mi downstream reaches the Portuguese frontier. With its 24 Romanesque churches of the 12th and 13th centuries it has been called a "museum of Romanesque art". Capital Valladolid Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked 1st  94,223 km²  18,6% Population  â€“ Total (2005)  â€“ % of Spain  â€“ Density Ranked 6th  2,510,849  5. ... Capital Zamora, Spain Official language(s) Spanish; Area  â€“ Total  â€“ % of Spain Ranked 22nd  10. ... View of the river mouth from Portos Crystal Palace Gardens, facing West Douro (Latin Durius, Spanish Duero, Portuguese Douro) is one of the major rivers of Portugal and Spain, flowing from its source near Soria across central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Oporto. ... South transept of Tournai Cathedral, Belgium, 12th century. ...

Origins

Zamora was originally a Moorish foundation, and during the fighting between Christians and Moors it was the scene of many fierce engagements, reflected in the Spanish national epic, the "Cantar de mio Cid". A page from the original codex, starting from line 1922 El Cantar del Mio Cid is the oldest preserved Spanish cantar de gesta. ...

The name Zamora comes from the Gothic "Semura"^{[citation needed]} or from the Arab "Azemur" and "Semurah". The foundation of the city, however, was by Rome, with the name of Occelum Durii or Ocellodurum (the Duero Eye), in the days when the Lusitanian hero Viriathus fought the Roman invasion. At Roman conquest, it was in the hands of the Vaccaei, and was incorporated into the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis. It was on the road from Emerita (modern Mérida) to Asturica Augusta (modern Astorga). (Ant. Itin. pp. 434, 439). Gothic is an extinct Germanic language that was spoken by the Goths. ... For other uses, see Arab (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ... View of the river mouth from Portos Crystal Palace Gardens, facing West Douro (Latin Durius, Spanish Duero, Portuguese Douro) is one of the major rivers of Portugal and Spain, flowing from its source near Soria across central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Oporto. ... Statue of Viriathus, at Viseu, Portugal Viriathus (known as Viriato in Portuguese and Castilian) (? - 139 BC) was the most important leader of the Lusitanian people that resisted Roman expansion into the regions of Western Iberia, where the Roman province of Lusitania would be established (in the areas comprising Portugal, south... The Vacceos were an ancient tribe who settled in the Meseta Central of northern Hispania (in modern Spain). ... Roman Imperial province of Hispania Tarraconensis, 120 AD Hispania Tarraconensis was one of three Roman provinces in Hispania. ... Mérida is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. ... Episcopal Palace of Astorga Astorga (Latin Asturica Augusta) is a city in the province of León, Spain. ... The Antonine Itinerary is a Latin document that can be described as the Road Map of Roman Britain. ...

During the Medieval Age, Zamora was taken by the Arabs and by the Christians successively (from the Arab invasions in the early years of the 8th century to the last years of the 11th), and it was fortified. The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 11th century was that century which lasted from 1001 to 1100. ...

Henry IV granted Zamora the epithet of "most noble and most loyal city".

History

Historical bridge over river Duero in Zamora

The most important historic episode took place when the city gained an extraordinary relevance after the death of Ferdinand I of Castile who called it the "well fortified city of Zamora" (or "la bien cercada" in Spanish) and bequeathed it to his daughter Doña Urraca. Her brother Sancho II of Castile trying to reunify the kingdom against his siblings, lay siege to Zamora, which was the possession of his sister Urraca. King Sancho II was treacherously murdered by Bellido Dolfos while besieging the town, causing Castile to fall to his brother Alfonso. The event was commemorated by the Portillo de la Traición (Treason Gate). Zamora was also the scene of fierce fighting in the 15th century, during the conflict between the supporters of Isabella the Catholic and Juana la Beltraneja. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Ferdinand I of Castile, El Magno or the Great, (d. ... Urraca of Zamora was an 11th century Infanta of Castile at the time of the Spanish reconqista. ... Sancho II (1040-1072), called the Strong, or in Spanish, el Fuerte, was king of Castile (1065-1072) and León (1072). ... Alfonso VI (before June 1040 – July 1, 1109), nicknamed the Brave, was King of León from 1065 to 1109 and King of Castile since 1072 after his brothers death. ...

Zamora and river Duero

During the 12th century, the city was extraordinarily important for its strategic position in the wars between Christians and Arabs to conquer the Iberian Peninsula. As a result, the city preserves many churches and buildings from that time. In the next centuries, the city lost its political and economic relevance and suffered emigration, especially to South America (who founded many other cities called Zamora). Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1369x600, 102 KB) Catedral de Zamora, vista desde la otra margen del río Duero. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1369x600, 102 KB) Catedral de Zamora, vista desde la otra margen del río Duero. ... (11th century - 12th century - 13th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 12th century was that century which lasted from 1101 to 1200. ... The Iberian Peninsula, or Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe, and includes modern day Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Gibraltar. ...

Population

It has about 67,164 inhabitants, a number which is decreasing owing to lack of investment in the region.

Climate

Climate chart of Zamora (Observatory)

Zamora enjoys a continental mediterranean climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Precipitation is mainly recorded in two seasons, spring and autumn, being summer characterized by draughts. The highest temperature ever recorded is 41.0ºC on July 24, 1995 while the minimum stood at -13.4ºC on January 16, 1945. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 496 pixelsFull resolution (974 × 604 pixels, file size: 42 KB, MIME type: image/png) Clima de Zamora, España. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 496 pixelsFull resolution (974 × 604 pixels, file size: 42 KB, MIME type: image/png) Clima de Zamora, España. ...  Areas with Mediterranean climate A Mediterranean climate is a climate that resembles the climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin. ... is the 205th day of the year (206th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 16th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ...

The frequent fog in winter is worth of mention, persisting for days and having a negative impact on the average temperature.

Notable locals

• Leopoldo Alas y Ureña, also known as "Clarín" was a Spanish novelist born in Zamora. A street in Zamora is named after him.
• Ángel Nieto: multi-time (or '12+1' as he puts it himself) Grand Prix motorcycle roadracing World Champion. He is considered a national hero in his Spanish homeland. The local sports centre is named after him. Some sources mistakenly refer to him as being born in Madrid.
• Agustín Remesal: Journalist working as a TVE correspondent. Also writer.
• Ramón Álvarez: Born in Zamora. Author of many of the figures or 'pasos' carried through its streets during the Holy Week.
• Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid Campeador. The legendary nobleman, though born in Burgos, spent some time in the town at the service of king Sancho II of Castile.

Clarín Leopoldo Alas y Ureña (1851-1901), also known as Clarín was a Spanish realist novelist born in Zamora. ... Ángel Nieto (complete name Ángel Nieto Roldán on January 25, 1947 in Zamora, Spain) was a multi-time Grand Prix motorcycle roadracing World Champion. ... Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (c. ... The cathedral Our Lady of Burgos. ... Sancho II (1040-1072), called the Strong, or in Spanish, el Fuerte, was king of Castile (1065-1072) and León (1072). ...

Tourism in Zamora

Main article: Places of interest in Zamora

Zamora town

• Cathedral of Zamora, Spain: Romanesque dating back to the 12th century, taking only 23 years to build.
• Castle of Zamora, Spain: Built in the Middle Ages, offering magnificent views of the city.
• Parador de Zamora: The Palacio de los Condes de Alba y Aliste was built in 1459 by the first count of Alba y Aliste. Boasts a magnificent patio and staircase decorated with lombardy carvings.
• Calle Balborraz: Europa Nostra Prize.
• Magdalena church: The southern facade is Romanesque dating back to the 13th century;
• San Claudio de Olivares church (12th century carvings on the columns);
• San Juan de Puerta Nueva church (12th century stained glass circular window, symbol of Zamora);
• Santa María la Nueva church (12th century, baptism chapel dating back to the 13th century).
• Santiago de los Caballeros church (12th century, simple Romanesque style)
• Santiago El Burgo church (Southern facade, 12th century Romanesque)
• City wall: three walled enclosures dating back to the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries.
• Museo de Semana Santa de Zamora: Opposite the Santa María la Nueva church, devoted to the Semana Santa de Zamora processions which are celebrated with particular ceremony in Zamora. The museum displays a large collection of pasos, the figures which are carried in procession through the streets by various 'cofradías' or brotherhoods.

Church of San Juan de Puerta Nueva

Zamora surroundings Cathedral of Zamora and river Duero In the southern and rather higher part of the old town, still surrounded by its old walls and gates, is the Cathedral, standing above the right bank of the Duero. ... Northwest of the Cathedral stands the Castillo, with magnificent views of the town and the river from the keep. ... Events September 23 - Battle of Blore Heath. ... At the Museo de Semana Santa de Zamora, located at the Plaza Santa María la Nueva, visitors can admire most of the scenes or pasos that parade through Zamora during Easter. ... This religious celebration, declared in the early 1980s of international touristic interest is what the city of Zamora is best-known for. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

• Arcenillas church (15th century panels)
• Hiniesta church (gothic, sculptures and murals)
• The Church of San Pedro de la Nave, (El Campillo village - 12 km away) founded in the seventh century, rebuilt in the twelfth century, it is one of the three best kept

visigothic churches in all of Spain. Was moved stone by stone due to the construction of a reservoir on its original site. Arcenillas is a municipality located in the province of Zamora, Castile and León, Spain. ... View from the southwest The Visigothic church of San Pedro de la Nave (St. ...

Zamora province

• Benavente, Zamora: About 65 km north from the capital. Santa María church and Castle of La Mota (now the Parador of Benavente). The parador 'Fernando II de Leon' as it is called occupies the castle- palace built in the 12th century and is part of the former walled enclosure of the town. It was named to honour Ferdinand II as the founder of the town.

• Toro, Zamora (just 34km from Zamora on the motorway). Historic and Artistic centre, churches, palaces, monasteries... with monuments such as the facade of the 'Palacio de las Leyes' and also the famous Santa María la Mayor collegiate church (known in Spanish as 'La Colegiata'). Its wines were the first to be taken to America by Christopher Columbus.

• Sanabria: on the border with Galicia. Declared a Historic and Artistic centre and set within the countryside near the Sanabria lake. There are a number of attractive bed and breakfast places to stay in (known in Spain as 'Casas Rurales') and also the Sanabria Parador.

• Fermoselle: on the border with Portugal and on the edge of the Arribes Natural Park "Los Arribes del Duero": an attractive place with less than 100 inhabitants where a traditional way of life still exists. Try the beef (locally reared), goat's cheese, cold meats...a place to stay is the Sayago Parador. The Arribes feature a hunting reserve in the Culebra mountain range (with the highest population of wolves in the whole of Europe). Accessible for visit either travelling by land or on the river by taking a boat excursion from Miranda do Douro lasting about an hour).

• Villafáfila: The lakes, in ancient times beaches, still retain the sand and fossils. An authentic paradise for European birds. The second largest water reserve in Spain after Doñana.

Benavente is a city in the north of the province Zamora in the autonomous community Castile-Leon of Spain. ... Toro is a town and municipality in the province of Zamora, part of the autonomous community of Castile-Leon, Spain. ... Christopher Columbus (1451 – May 20, 1506) was a navigator and colonialist who is one of the first Europeans to discover the Americas, after the Vikings. ... Los Arribes del Duero covers 261. ... District or region Bragança Mayor   - Party Manuel Martins PSD Area 487. ...

Zamora cuisine

The excellent raw materials used in cuisine from this province really stand out. The pulses, the famous chickpeas from Fuentesauco or 'garbanzos', the exquisite cheese made from sheep's milk, honey from Sanabria, asparagus from Guareña, peppers from Benavente, steak from Aliste, mushrooms, game, cold meats, cakes and sweets... Apart from the tasty roasts, also worth tasting are the rice dishes from Zamora and the Toro wines (very dark, almost black, nowadays made using modern techniques - with a rapidly growing reputation for their taste and quality). Traditional dishes include bacalao a la tranca (a cod dish), el pulpo a la sanabresa (an octopus dish), dos y pingada (two fried eggs with fried ham, usually served in Easter) and '"presas de ternera" (a veal dish). For dessert there is the rebojo Zamorano, a very tasty though hard type of bun, and "las natillas almendradas" (Spanish style custard with almonds).

References

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography by William Smith (1857).

The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... The Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography, published in 1854, was the last a series of classical dictionaries edited by the english scholar William Smith (1813–1893), which included as sister works the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities and the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. ... Sir William Smith (1813 - 1893), English lexicographer, was born at Enfield in 1813 of Nonconformist parents. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Zamora

• Main festival of Zamora SEMANA SANTA ZAMORA
• Web page dedicated to the Semana Santa, All content is Creative Commons
• [1]
• Web about Zamora: Semana Santa, photos, radio, etc

Coordinates: 41°30′N, 5°45′W Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...