Arnedo

Arnedo is the third largest town in La Rioja, Spain. It is located near Calahorra, and has a population of about 14,500 people.

Its economy is based on the shoe industry.

History

The area of Arnedo has been inhabited as early as the Neolithic Age. In pre-Roman times it was known as Sadacia or Sidacia, while the current name derives from the Latin Arenetum ("Place of sand"); the Romans, who arrived here in the 2nd century BC replacing the Celtiberians, built here a fortification to defend the hill, which commanded an important communication hub. Of the Visigothic Age are remains of a 6th century cave-church.

The Moors conquered Arnedo in the 8th century AD and made it the capital of one of the 26 provinces in which they divided Iberia. The town was conquered by the Christian king Sancho I of Pamplona in 908-909.

Main sights

• Ruins of the castle
• Church of St. Thomas
• Church of St. Cosmas and Damian, housing a Baroque high altar
• Church of St. Eulalia
• Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Vico, situated some 4 km outside the city
• Gate of Nuestra Señora de la Nieves
• Museum of Shoes

Twin towns

• Andosilla, Spain
• Parthenay, France
• Elda, Spain
• Farsia, Western Sahara

See also

• Enciso, La Rioja
• List of municipalities in La Rioja