Fermoselle

Fermoselle is a North Spanish municipality ( municipio ) in the province of Zamora, in the autonomous community of Castile -Leon. The place is recognized in the category Conjunto histórico - artístico since 1974 as a cultural ( Bien de Interès Cultural ).

Location

Fermoselle is situated on a 400 meter high ridge in the extreme southwest of the province of Zamora at an altitude of about 640 meters above sea level. inst in the rocky landscape of the Natural Park Arribes del Duero near the Duero river formed by the border with Portugal. The village Tudera is located approximately 25 kilometers north-east; the provincial capital of Zamora is about 60 km ( driving distance ) in a north-easterly direction away. The Portuguese community bemposta is only 15 kilometers to the west.

Demographics

In 1900, the site had over 4,600 inhabitants. Due to the mechanization of agriculture, the population has declined to the current lowest level since the 1950s.

Economy

Agriculture, especially the cultivation of vines, olives and fruit trees, and traditionally plays the biggest role in the economy of the small town. In the 16th century also an iron ore mine in the area is mentioned. In addition, the site functioned in the Middle Ages as a trade, craft and service center for the villages and hamlets in the region. Revenue from tourism in the form of the rental of apartments ( casas rurales ) have been added in recent decades.

History

Finds of stone axes in the area indicate a long occupation, which was continued by the Celts and Romans - some researchers believe here referred to in Roman sources place Ocellum Durii, Ocella or to locate Ocila. After the reconquest ( Reconquista ) of the North of the Iberian Peninsula from the hands of the Moors gave the Leonese King Alfonso IX. in 1205 the land along with the location of the manorial system ( señorio ) of the Bishop of Zamora.

Attractions

• Although significant sights missing, load the often winding streets of the old town for a stroll; Side streets often end up in a lookout ( mirador ). The whole place is recognized as Conjunto histórico - artístico.
• The largely destroyed during the comuneros Uprising Castillo de Doña Urraca is located on the highest point of the ridge with views over the surrounding countryside and the valley of the River Duero. It still preserves the donjon ( torre de homenaje ) and parts of the adjoining building.
• Built in the early 13th century parish church of the village (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción ) has late Romanesque and early Gothic origins, on the are particularly visible in the two Archivolts portals easily pointed west and on the south side - both portals are with abstract - vegetable motifs decorated. The rest of the church was again reconstructed and supplemented - as the bell tower located on the south side come with a located next to the atrium of the Renaissance. The interior of the church has a single nave and choir terminates in a flat end with a carved and colorful framed altarpiece.
• The facade of the town hall ( ayuntamiento ) is topped by a finely engraved wrought iron bell tower.
• Just outside the town there is a Franciscan monastery from the 18th century, which is now used as an information center for the Nature Park Arribes del Duero.

Personalities

• Juan del Encina (1468-1529), Renaissance poet and composer, was born in Fermoselle.