Maqueda Explained

Maqueda
Settlement Type:Municipality
Pushpin Map:Spain Castilla-La Mancha#Spain
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Spain
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Spain
Subdivision Type1:Autonomous community
Subdivision Type2:Province
Subdivision Name2:Toledo
Subdivision Type3:Comarca
Subdivision Name3:Torrijos
Subdivision Type4:Judicial district
Subdivision Name4:Torrijos
Coordinates:40.0647°N -4.3717°W
Elevation M:501
Area Total Km2:78
Population Demonym:Maquedano, na
Population Density Km2:auto
Blank Name Sec1:Official language(s)
Timezone:CET
Utc Offset:+1
Timezone Dst:CEST
Utc Offset Dst:+2
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:45515
Area Code Type:Dialing code
Area Code:925
Leader Title:Alcalde
Leader Name:Esteban Ríos Martín (2007)

Maqueda is a Spanish town located 80 kilometers from Madrid and 45 kilometers from Toledo. Located within the autonomous community Castilla-La Mancha and the province of Toledo, Maqueda is located in the comarca of Torrijos. The town is best known for its remarkably well-preserved castle, the Castillo de la Vela.

Etymology

The name "Maqueda" comes from the root mkd and the Arabic term Maqqada, which means "stable", "firm", or "solid".[1] Other experts believe that the name derives from the root kyd and the Arabic term Makîda, which means "strategically located" or "strong plaza".[2]

The castillo de la vela

The castillo de la vela, also known as the castillo de Maqueda is located on the outskirts of town. Originally of Moorish design, the castle was rebuilt and expanded during the 15th century.[3] It was eventually appropriated by the state, which established a Guardia Civil post within the castle and provided for its future conservation.

The castle is rectangular in shape and sits on two distinct elevations. The castle's protections include 3.5-meter-thick walls, moats on two sides, and a number of circular towers. The exterior of the castle is free to visit, though visitors are not permitted to enter the castle proper.

The castle was declared an artistic historical monument on 3 June 1931.

Notes and References

  1. Book: García Sánchez. Jairo Javier. Toponimia mayor de la provincia de Toledo (zonas central y oriental). 2004. Instituto provincial de investigaciones y estudios toledanos. Toledo, Spain. 84-95432-05-6. 219–220. es.
  2. Book: Corominas. Joan. Onomasticon Cataloniae. VIII. 1997. Caixa de Pensiones "La Caixa". Barcelona. 84-7256-858-X . ca.
  3. Web site: Castillo de Maqueda, Maqueda. https://web.archive.org/web/20110716172212/http://www.castillosnet.org/programs/castillosnet.php?tip=inf&dat=toledo%2FTO-CAS-002. dead. 2011-07-16. 2009-02-09. CastillosNet. es.