Maqueda

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.

Maqueda
Municipality
View of Maqueda
Flag Coat of arms
Maqueda Location in Spain Show map of Castilla-La Mancha Maqueda Maqueda (Spain) Show map of Spain
Coordinates: 40°3′53″N 4°22′18″W
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Castile-La Mancha
Province	Toledo
Government
• Alcalde	Esteban Ríos Martín (2007)
Area
• Total	78 km2 (30 sq mi)
Elevation	501 m (1,644 ft)
Population  (2018)[1]
• Total	461
• Density	5.9/km2 (15/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Maquedano, na
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	45515
Dialing code	925

Etymology

The name "Maqueda" comes from the root mkd and the Arabic term Maqqada, which means "stable", "firm", or "solid".^[2] Other experts believe that the name derives from the root kyd and the Arabic term Makîda, which means "strategically located" or "strong plaza".^[3] It is also thought to be derived from the same roots as the name of the Palestinian town of Makkidah^[4] in reflection of the Jewish presence in Spain and British Isles.

History

It was fortified under in the 10th century under Abd al-Rahman III.^[5] Maqueda passed to control of Castile-León in the context of the conquest of the Taifa of Toledo in 1085,^[6] and it was later developed under the initiative of Alfonso VII.^[7] The countryside of Maqueda was ravaged in the 1197 Almohad offensive.^[8] Maqueda was donated to the Order of Calatrava in June 1201.^[9][10] It received the title of town (villa) in 1324.^[11]

The castillo de la vela

The castillo de la vela, Maqueda

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.^[12] 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.^[12]

The castle was declared an artistic historical monument on 3 June 1931.^[12]