Calatayud

Comunidad de Calatayud

Genuinely Andalusian, Proudly Mudéjar

The Comarca Comunidad de Calatayud, with its 67 municipalities, is the largest in Aragón. However, what makes it unique is its Andalusian character. Before Al-Ándalus, Calatayud – the capital and origin of the comarca – did not exist. It was Emir Muhammad I who ordered the construction of the fortified citadel (qal’a) in 862, which became a medina, one of the most important in the Upper Frontier of Al-Ándalus. Qal’at Ayyub, the citadel of Ayyub, Calatayud.

Around it, other populations grew, and the entire area flourished as a prosperous place, famous for its rich orchards – still active – and fruit trees. When Alfonso I conquered it in 1120, part of the Muslim population decided to stay. Among them were the master builders or alarifes who developed an art that is now a world heritage: Mudéjar. Art, history, culture, gastronomy, festivals… What are you waiting for to come and enjoy the Andalusian Experience in these lands?

Collegiate Church of Santa María

Architecture

In the Comarca Comunidad de Calatayud, the Andalusian defensive architecture and Mudéjar art shine brightly. So much so that these are two of the major attractions that will lead you to enjoy – and enjoy a lot – the Andalusian Experience in these lands. The defensive complex of Calatayud is, most likely, the oldest of the remaining ones from Al-Ándalus. What is certain is that it is one of the most outstanding for its complexity and innovations: five interconnected castles linked by long stretches of walls, with a total perimeter of about 4 kilometers.

If you are someone who pays attention to percentages and figures, you will also like to know that the Comarca Comunidad de Calatayud is the Aragonese comarca with the highest concentration of Mudéjar art. Among its treasures, three true gems of world heritage: the Church of Santa María de Tobed, the Church of Santa Tecla (Cervera de la Cañada), and the Collegiate Church of Santa María (Calatayud). But there is much more. Of course, there are more castles (Maluenda) and beautiful Mudéjar churches (such as the Church of San Félix in Torralba de Ribota, or the Church of Nuestra Señora del Castillo in Aniñón). There are also Moorish neighborhoods (Saviñán), unique villages (Moros), towers… and much more.
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Calatayud

MEDINAS

Calatayud, the fourth most important city in Aragón, was one of the first medinas founded by the Muslims in the Ebro Valley. Its extraordinary strategic location was chosen by Emir Mohamed I to order the construction of an important fortification that would eventually become a medina: Qal’at Ayyub. It was a flourishing period during which the irrigation infrastructure for the rich orchards still existing today was created, long-lasting industries like hemp and ceramics were developed, and the city became a hub for scientists, jurists, poets, and historians.

For a brief period, Qal’at Ayyub even became a small independent ‘state’ or taifa (between 1046 and 1055) and minted its own coinage. Additionally, like all medinas, it had a surrounding territory that depended on it. In this area, other fortresses were also built, such as those in Maluenda and Arándiga, and smaller populations like Maluenda, Ateca, and Moros began to grow and prosper. What would eventually become the Comarca Comunidad de Calatayud was taking its first steps.
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Vides

Gastronomy

High-altitude cherries, peaches, apples, pears, and garnacha grapes, which are used to make wines with the D.O. Calatayud designation, the youngest of the four wine denominations in Aragón. But being the youngest doesn’t mean it lacks a great tradition. In fact, Calatayud is one of the regions with the most long standing winemaking tradition in Spain. The earliest records of its wines date back to the 1st century, and they already mention their excellent quality.

You may be surprised to know that despite the Qur’anic prohibition, and as in other traditionally wine-producing regions of the Iberian Peninsula, vines and wine were also produced in Andalusian Calatayud. The main economic activity throughout the Upper March of Al-Ándalus was agriculture, which increased and diversified significantly with the renewal and implementation of new irrigation systems.

The 12th-century geographer, cartographer, and traveler al-Idrisi described Calatayud as follows: “It has a splendid region where trees, fruit trees, springs, and streams abound, providing great fertility.”
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FESTIVALS

In the words of the organizers: “Las Alfonsadas are the celebration of coexistence and medieval values of the very noble, loyal, and always august city of Calatayud and its vast region, and all the events centered around the vicissitudes and events that took place during the Christian conquest of Calatayud by King Alfonso I El Batallador in 1120.” Nine centuries after these events, and for the past two decades, Calatayud and its region have fully embraced this festival, Las Alfonsadas, which takes place on the weekend closest to June 24th.

In addition to historical reenactments, the streets are taken over by tents, a medieval market, games, parades, concerts, medieval dinners… “We want our streets to be filled with the joy, harmony, and flavors of our Three Cultures, which so exemplarily coexisted in our beloved Calatayud.” That’s it! Live the festival!
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