Torija

Torija is a small town in the province of Guadalajara in the Autonomous Community of Castile -La Mancha (Spain).

Location

Torija situated at an altitude of about 960 meters above sea level. inst at the end of a fertile valley in the mountainous western part of the province of Guadalajara. The provincial capital, Guadalajara is located about 20 kilometers to the northeast; the Spanish capital Madrid is well 75 km to the southwest.

Demographics

Economy

Previously Torija was the artisan and mercantile center of the embossed by the Agricultural Region. With the mechanization and the decline of agriculture, many hoped for a better life in the city, but in which only small companies have emerged - industrial jobs are missing.

History

Although archaeological finds are still lacking, it can be assumed that the valley of Torija was already inhabited in prehistoric times. Also by Romans, Visigoths and from the time of Islamic rule without the corresponding certificates.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, so the late period of the Reconquista, here one of the most important families of Castile settled itself - the Mendoza. These could build the imposing castle, which became the symbol of the city. On the square in front of the castle found in the late Middle Ages and the early modern regional livestock markets and bullfights ( corridas ) instead. In the 16th century it was home to Charles V and Philip II as guests; after which it was no longer used and gradually fell into disrepair. During the Spanish Civil War, based in March 1937, the Republican generals Enrique Lister and Hans Kahle during the Battle of Guadalajara in the ruined castle district.

Attractions

• The castle ( castillo ) is an imposing building from the late medieval period, of which almost only the outer walls ( curtain walls ) and the round corner towers are obtained between the battlements ( Machicolation ) are excited that both of the corner towers and about small central spiral staircases could be achieved. In the northeast corner rises the enclosed by four narrow staircase turret Donjon ( torre de homenaje ). The castle is built on rocky ground in the middle of town and was completely restored and stabilized in 1962.
• The three-nave Assumption Church ( Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora ) originates from the early 16th century - still date from this period, the portal on the south side and the outer walls of the church and the tower. The interior of the church was thoroughly revised in the 18th and 20th centuries.
• The main square (plaza de la villa) is surrounded by two-storey arcades or timber frame houses. In one corner of the square rises the square keep of the castle.
• A court column ( rollo jurisdiccional or picota ) has also been preserved; it seems to have been assembled from ancient spoils.