Zaragoza information
Calatayud information
Calatayud has its most important historical antecedent in the founding of Bilbilis Augusta, a Roman city that was the birthplace of illustrious characters, such as the poet Martial.
The arrival of the Arabs in the area, at the beginning of the 8th century, led to settlement in the city's current location around the Castle of Ayub (Qal'atAyyub), which gave rise to the placename.
Its importance went on throughout the centuries so that in the 19th C. it came to be the fourth province of Aragon. Nowadays it is a county capital and city of monuments.
Calatayud is situated at the foot of a site formed by five castles from the Arab era, considered one of the oldest defensive systems in Muslim Spain. Of the Castle of Ayub, three octagonal towers remain, as well as many stretches of wall.
The city brings together countless aristocratic houses and Renaissance
palaces. In the Plaza Mayor stands the City Hall and the Inn of
Dolores, an establishment which refers to a legendary woman who
has inspired famous "copla" songs.
Source: Web server of Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA.