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The Moors held the town for four whole centuries, decor retains features from different eras, with and it was the scene of many a battle as they Christian and arab motifs and patterns as well as struggled to maintain control of Catalonia. Royal features. Originally, in AD914, they built a mosque, which You can get a sense of how huge was later destroyed to make way for the stunning by Jennifer Figuerola the castle actually is, when you Gothic cathedral we can see today. Work began on the cathedral in 1347, and took more than 200 consider that it houses 54 twin Tortosa, is the capital of the Baix Ebre region of years to be finished. bedrooms, 8 Doubles and no less southern Tarragona. An attractive, historic town than 10 suites........ surely fit for a on the River Ebro, situated between high hills just Much later, in the 18th century, a Baroque façade above its delta, it now lays claim to a population King............ was added, and new benches for the choir were of 36 000. Although classed as part of the Costa installed, carved intricately by Cristobal de To complete the 'period' effect, even the Dorada, Tortosa is actually situated in the middle Salamanca, between 1588 and 1593.Today, this restaurant offers local dishes; 'anguila en suc', of the fertile Catalonian plain of the Ebro and near is the old centre of Tortosa, by the river. The town eels in juice, 'susquet de peix', fish in sauce and to the delta. has gradually grown, extended across the river 'pastisets' vermicelli cakes. It can be reached from the motorway, AP-7, via and is ten times its original size, with a new town Other buildings of historic interest, are the Santa C42. Tarragona, 90km, Barcelona,150km away. centre. Maria Monastery and Santa Clara Convent, Founded by the early Spanish peoples, the The Arabian castle, 'La Suda', is the first thing you founded in 1283, Also worth a look is the Palau Iberians, Tortosa was originally named Dertosa, notice on the approach to the town, at the highest Episcopal and the Jardins del Princep, Prince The Romans later rebuilt the city in the 10th point, rising up above the rest of the buildings, at Gardens, one of the town parks. This park century, building the original wall defences for the night a magnificent sight. This stronghold dates currently houses the Outdoor Museum, with town The eight ancient town walls, great to back from the 10th century during the occupation works by the sculptor, Santiago de Santiago. wander along even today, are indicative of its of the Arabs, but incorporates part of a much strategic importance in the past. earlier Roman acropolis. Around the Tortosa suffered badly during the Spanish Civil castle are several subterranean War, (1936- 1939), when the River Ebro literally galleries, housing the remains of an formed the front line between the opposing old mill and two ovens. Inside there forces; it was therefore attacked from all sides. The English Childrens´clothes shop is the well, 'La Suda', surrounded by After a bloody battle, at a cost of some 35 000 from birth to 12 years four majestic Gothic windows. lives, the town eventually fell to Nationalist forces in April 1938. Much of the old town was Reconquered in 1147 by Count Ram destroyed, although some of the old buildings ón Berenger, he rewarded the around the cathedral managed to escape and are Templars by allowing them to live in still standing today. the castle, a gesture of gratitude for their part in the battle and subsequent The old Jewish quarter still exists, which actually victory. In 1283, a huge conversion dates right back to the 6th century. The project got underway, the castle was Renaissance was also an important period, significantly extended and turned into during the 16th century, signifying revival after 10 a Royal Palace. years of war from 1462- 1472, when Cataluña was battered and weakened. So strong is this Today the castle has been completely patriotism among the restored and refurbished and lives its life as a Parador. The furniture is all Catalans, that even today, there is an annual classic style, wooden beams have festival, usually 23rd to 26th July, called 'Festa been maintained and the impressive de Renaixement', when Tortosans relive this era. Gothic windows restored. Interior They don't just throw on any old rags ; it is a far ONCE UPON A TIME- TORTOSA
The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 7 April 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 1