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Bigastro | |
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 Coat of arms | |
  Bigastro Location in Spain Show map of Province of Alicante Bigastro Bigastro (Valencian Community) Show map of Valencian Community Bigastro Bigastro (Spain) Show map of Spain | |
| Coordinates:38°03′47″N0°53′44″W / 38.06306°N 0.89556°W /38.06306; -0.89556 | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community |  Valencian Community |
| Province | Alicante |
| Comarca | Vega Baja del Segura |
| Judicial district | Orihuela |
| Government | |
| • Alcalde (2015) | Teresa María Belmonte Sánchez (PP) |
| Area | |
• Total | 4.10 km2 (1.58 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 24 m (79 ft) |
| Population (2018)[1] | |
• Total | 6,702 |
| • Density | 1,600/km2 (4,200/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Bigastrense |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 03380 |
| Official language(s) | Spanish |
| Website | Official website |
Bigastro (Spanish pronunciation:[biˈɣastɾo];Valencian:Bigastre) is amunicipality in theValencian Community (Spain) situated in the south of theprovince of Alicante, in thecomarca ofVega Baja del Segura. It had apopulation of 6,450 at the time of the 2005census.
In La Loma, there is an archaeological site dating from theBronze Age.
The city (Latin:Bigastrum) was the seat of a bishop underByzantine rule. It was probably recovered by theVisigoths underWitteric.
The district derives its name from theLugar Nuevo de los Canónigos, a place of residence for the canons ofOrihuela cathedral, which once had power over the area. In 1701, after some lawsuits with the settlers, the church made some allowances which permitted the foundation of Bigastro, starting with three estates, in which 24 families lived.
At the time of its foundation,agriculture was concentrated aroundflax andhemp; in the 19th century, the fall of the textile sector sparked interest in citrus fruits and products from irrigated fields. There is also industrial activity, mainly in the form of construction and manufacturing.
In 2005, Bigastro had 6,450 residents, 11.79% of which were foreigners. The most common nationality wasBritish (22% of all foreigners).
The young age of the town means that some landlord's homes survive, along with some farmer's dwellings dispersed throughout the area. One unique monument that must be mentioned is the Church of the Virgin of Bethlehem, where a sculpture of SaintJoachim of Salzillo.
The typical dishes in the area arestew andrabbit withrice.[2] Other important dishes in Bigastro come from thepastry shops:almojábanas, toñas, almendrados, monas and soplillos.
France -Le Vigan (Gard), since 2002
Italy -Cisano sul Neva, since 2002Municipalities ofVega Baja del Segura / Baix Segura | ||
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