Santa Cruz de la Zarza

Santa Cruz de la Zarza is a Spanish municipality in the province of Toledo with 4841 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2013). It is located in the Castilla -La Mancha on the railway line leading from Toledo to Cuenca.

The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly viticulture, olive trees and cereals. Meanwhile, the share of trade and industry is growing more and more.

The most important celebration takes place in late August in honor of Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

History

The village was an important communications hub at the time of the Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. Because of its location above the Tajo valley is the place of the respective rulers was always expanded with fortifications.

Santa Cruz was a stronghold of the Military Order of Saint James to 1175 when, after a confirmation from Pope Alexander III an encomienda was established.

Because of its increasing importance has been the place in 1242, under the " maestrazgo " by Rodrigo Iñiguez, capital of the " encomienda ".

1253 signed the Order Head Pelay Perez Correa, the city of Incorporation.