The old-world town of Zamora, chief town of its province, lies on a rocky hill above the Río Duero, which some 50km/30mi downstream reaches the Portuguese frontier, in the southern part of the old kingdom of León. With its numerous Romanesque churches of the 12th and 13th centuries it has been called a
"museum of Romanesque art".
History
Zamora was originally a Moorish foundation, and during the fighting between Christians and Moors it was the scene of many fierce engagements, reflected in the Spanish national epic, the "Cantar de mio Cid". Henry IV granted Zamora the style of "most noble and most loyal city". Ferdinand I called it the "well fortified city of Zamora" and bequeathed it to his daughter Doña Urraca. Her brother Sancho II was treacherously murdered while besieging the town, an event commemorated by the Portillo de la Traición (Treason Gate). Zamora was also the scene of fierce fighting in the 15th century, during the conflict between the supporters of Isabella the Catholic and Juana la Beltraneja.
Print this page
Add to Favorites
