Castro Urdiales

Castro Urdiales, a seaport of northern Spain, in the autonomous community of Cantabria, situated on the bay of Biscay. Pop. (1870) about 3500; (1900) 14,191; (2005) 28,604; (2007) 30,022.

Castro Urdiales is a modern town, although its castle and parish church, Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, date from the Middle Ages. Its chief industries are iron-mining, fishing, and the preservation of fish, especially sardines and anchovies, in oil. The Lolin anchovy canning factory serves as a reminder of the town's closeness to this industry and its proximity to the sea. Between 1894 and 1904 the exports of iron ore rose from 277,200 tons to 516,574 tons.

Tourism has greatly increased in Castro Urdiales in the last thirty years; many people from Bilbao and other parts of the Basque Country and Cantabria as well as Northern Spain in general keep summer homes in the town. Although the number of people registered in the town is around 28,604, the summer population can double or even triple this figure.The town is popular because of its beaches and scenic harbor. Sadly, the commercial fishing industry is declining and may soon be eradicated completely.

History

Castro Urdiales was originally called Portus Amanus, and was the chief city of the Autrigones. In AD 74 a Roman colony was established under the name Flaviobriga, during the reign of Vespasian. It was most likely established to mine the abundant iron in the area.

In 1163 the town of Castro Urdiales received its municipal charter. Castro Urdiales benefited much from trade with northern Europe and Castile.

It was destroyed by the French in 1813, but was speedily rebuilt and fortified. Its rapid rise in population and prosperity dates from the increased development of iron-mining and railway communication which took place after 1879.

External links

• The official website of Castro Urdiales
• Information on Castro Urdiales

Notes

References

• Charles Anthon, A System of Ancient and Mediæval Geography for the Use of Schools and Colleges, p.57