Caspe

Caspe/Casp
Municipality

Colegiate church of Santa Marya la Mayor.

Flag

Coat of arms
Caspe/Casp

Location in Spain

Coordinates: 41°14′N 0°2′W / 41.233°N 0.033°W / 41.233; -0.033
Country  Spain
Autonomous community  Aragon
Province Zaragoza
Comarca Bajo Aragón-Caspe/Baix Aragó-Casp
Government
  Mayor Pilar Herrero Poblador
Area
  Total 503.33 km2 (194.34 sq mi)
Elevation 150 m (490 ft)
Population (2009)
  Total 9,728
  Density 19/km2 (50/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Caspolinos
Postal code 50700
Website Official website

Caspe (Spanish: [ˈkaspe]) or Casp (Catalan: [ˈkasp]) is a historic town and municipality in the province of Zaragoza, in the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. It is situated some 100 km to the east of the provincial capital, Zaragoza.

History

According to legend, Caspe was founded by Tubal, a grandson of Noah. Historically, the area was settled by the Sedetanos, an Iberian tribe.

In 1169 Caspe was conquered from the Moors by King Alfonso II of Aragon, thereby following the history of Aragon and later that of Spain. It was originally a settlement founded by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John).

Caspe was the site of the Compromise of Caspe in the 15th century, which would lead to the start of the Trastámara dynasty in Aragon. In the 20th century, during the Spanish Civil War, Caspe was the seat of the Regional Defence Council of Aragon. It was also at Caspe where the autonomy statute of Aragon was written, but it could not be ratified by the Cortes Generales due to the civil war being underway.

Main sights

Events

An annual festival in June attracts many visitors.

Economy

The town's industry is based on the social sector, the textile and agricultural industries. Nearby is the Aragon Sea and the River Ebro.

Twin towns

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