Potes

Potes
Municipality

Flag

Coat of arms
Potes

Location in Cantabria

Coordinates: 43°9′13″N 4°37′24″W / 43.15361°N 4.62333°W / 43.15361; -4.62333Coordinates: 43°9′13″N 4°37′24″W / 43.15361°N 4.62333°W / 43.15361; -4.62333
Country  Spain
Autonomous community  Cantabria
Province Cantabria
Comarca Liébana
Judicial district San Vicente de la Barquera
Government
  Alcalde Francisco Javier Gómez Ruiz (2007) (PP)
Area
  Total 7.64 km2 (2.95 sq mi)
Elevation 291 m (955 ft)
Population (2011)
  Total 1,481
  Density 190/km2 (500/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Lebaniego/a
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 39570
Official language(s) Spanish
Website Official website

Potes is a municipality in the autonomous community of Cantabria in Spain. It is the capital of the Comarca of Liébana and is located in the centre of it. It is bordered to the north by Cillorigo de Liébana, to the west by Camaleño, to the south by Vega de Liébana and to the east by Cabezón de Liébana.

Geography

River Quiviesa, through San Cayetano bridge

The town of Potes is located at the confluence of four valleys, near where the River Quiviesa flows in the River Deva, the latter born at altitudes of the Picos de Europa. Like the rest of the Liébana region, Potes enjoys a Mediterranean microclimate that allows the cultivation of the vines, walnut and poplar. Overlooking the town is Arabedes mountain (694m).

History

Potes is located in a strategic location: at the point where the two rivers of Liébana meet: the Deva and its tributary the Quiviesa. There is little trace of prehistoric occupation in the region, but the Romans who knew the power of strategic site, and named it Pontes. A village was founded in the 8th century, under Alfonso I of Asturias. Potes appeared for the first time in a document written in 847, the document mentions the parish church and the town. Later in the 10th century, thanks to its booming economy, Potes becomes the administrative centre of the Comarca of Liébana. Potes was considered a city from the 13th century and received royal favour.

In the Becerro de Behetrías manuscript (1351), it appears as the property of Tello Alfonso, son of Alfonso XI of Castile. During the late Middle Ages, like all of Liébana, the town was involved in the confrontation between the lineages of Manrique Castañeda and Mendoza. In 1444 John II of Castile resolved the issue in favour of the Marquis of Santillana. The Marquis made Potes the capital of Liebana, and erected a large tower, called the Torre del Infantado (15th century). In this same period prominent buildings such as the nearby Tower of Orejón de la Lama and the San Cayetano bridge were built.

In the modern age, Potes remained a place of manorialism. The Duke of Infantado appointed its mayor. Many villagers emigrated to America, and the riches of the new continent allowed the construction of notable buildings in the village. In 1822, Potes received its own town council, being head of a judicial district covering Potes, Castro and Cillorigo, Cabezón de Liébana, Camaleño, Espinama, Pesaguero, Tresviso and Vega de Liébana. Thirty years later, it became part of the judicial district of San Vicente de la Barquera.

During the Spanish Civil War, Potes was hit by a fire caused by the Republican side that destroyed the old town, it was rebuilt afterwards. The old town was classified as a Conjunto Histórico in 1983.

Economy and infrastructure

The main source of income is from tourism due to its location in the Picos de Europa. Potes is on the national road N-621. The nearest major town, Santander, is 100 km away.

Sites and monuments

Torre de Orejón de la Lama

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
19001,241    
19101,336+0.74%
19201,139−1.58%
19301,208+0.59%
19401,239+0.25%
19501,434+1.47%
YearPop.±% p.a.
19601,364−0.50%
19701,206−1.22%
19801,444+1.82%
19901,475+0.21%
20001,573+0.65%
20071,500−0.68%

Administration

Torre del Infantado

Francisco Javier Gomez Ruiz (PP) is the current mayor of the municipality. The following tables show the results of the elections held in 2003 and 2007.[1]

Municipal elections, 25 May 2003
Party Votes % Councillors
PP 573 54.8% 5
PSOE 234 22.4% 2
PRC 226 21.6% 2
  • Alcalde elected: Alfonso Gutiérrez Cuevas (PP)

Municipal elections, 27 May 2007
Party Votes % Councillors
PP 531 54.6% 5
PRC 230 23.6% 2
PSOE 185 19.0% 2
  • Alcalde elected: Alfonso Gutiérrez Cuevas (PP) (Died on 17 October 2007, succeeded by Francisco Javier Gómez Ruiz (PP)).

Cuisine

The most famous dish from Potes is the chickpea stew Cocido Lebaniego. Other products from Potes, include various cheeses, honey and the grape brandy Orujo that is made from wine grown in the valley.

Festivals and events

Potes has regular religious processions:

Non-religious, the Feast of the Orujo is also a major event, which takes place in November.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Potes.
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