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La Roda | |
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.svg) Flag .svg) Coat of arms | |
  La Roda Location Show map of Castilla-La Mancha La Roda La Roda (Spain) Show map of Spain | |
| Coordinates:39°12′25″N2°09′37″W / 39.206959°N 2.16038°W /39.206959; -2.16038 | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community |  Castile-La Mancha |
| Province |  Albacete |
| Judicial district | La Roda is the legal district no. 5 of its province. |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Juan Ramón Amores García (PSOE) |
| Area | |
• Total | 398.88 km2 (154.01 sq mi) |
| Population (2023)[4] | |
• Total | 15,542 |
| Demonym(s) | Rodense,rodeño/-a (Spanish) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
La Roda (Spanish:[laˈroða]ⓘ) is a Spanishmunicipality located in theProvince of Albacete, within the autonomous community ofCastilla-La Mancha. It is situated along theA-31 highway and has a population of 15,527 inhabitants (INE, 2020). The town is known for its pastry known asmiguelitos.[5] It is part of theLa Mancha region of Albacete.
There are two possible origins for the town's name. One theory suggests that it could derive from theArabic wordرتبة (rutba), meaning "a place where livestock taxes were collected."[6] Alternatively, it might also come from the Arabic wordربط (rubṭ), meaning "mounted patrol," which evolved into the wordrobda inSpanish.
La Roda is located in the northern part of theProvince of Albacete, strategically positioned as a communication hub betweencentral Spain and theSpanish Levante via theA-31 andN-301 highways. It lies 40 kilometers (25 miles) fromAlbacete.
The extensive municipal area features a flat terrain characteristic of theLa Mancha Alta Albaceteña region. It is situated 716 meters (2349 feet) above sea level, with the southwestern edge of the municipality reaching higher elevations (over 850 meters, 2788 feet) near theCampo de Montiel.
| Northwest:Casas de Haro | North:Pozoamargo,Casas de Benítez | Northeast:Fuensanta |
| West:Villarrobledo,Minaya |  | East:Tarazona de La Mancha |
| Southwest:Lezuza,Munera | South:Barrax,Albacete | Southeast:Montalvos,La Gineta |
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Although it is not precisely known when the lands now comprising the municipality of La Roda were first inhabited, the area has historically been a crossroads, and archaeological finds includeCeltiberian andRoman remains.
The town came under the protection of the infante Saúl García Nesta when, in 1305, KingFerdinand IV granted him the lands forming the Lordship ofAlarcón. The municipal boundaries were established byDon Juan Manuel in 1310. Later, La Roda was part of theMarquisate of Villena until it seceded in 1476 and was incorporated into the Crown of theCatholic Monarchs.
During theRenaissance, the town experienced significant economic growth, evident in the local art and various buildings.[7]
The population of the municipality of La Roda is 15,527 inhabitants (INE, 2020).
| Vertical bar chart demographic of La Roda[8] between 1842 and 2021 |
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| 1900 | 1910 | 1920 | 1930 | 1940 | 1950 | 1960 | 1970 | 1981 | 1991 | 1996 | 2001 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2016 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7066 | 7938 | 9185 | 10,487 | 11,602 | 12,274 | 12,190 | 11,663 | 12,287 | 12,938 | 13,523 | 13,793 | 14,881 | 16,300 | 15,868 | 15,748 | 15,527 |
Traditionally anagricultural town, in recent years La Roda has focused its economic activity on theindustrial sector andservices.
Thechemical industry plays a significant role, with several factories dedicated to producingpaints. This is due to the presence of "white earth" deposits within the municipal area, a raw material used in the manufacture ofdistemper and other coatings.
Thefood industry is represented by companies producing typicalLa Mancha products such aswines andcheeses. La Roda is also the only town with industries manufacturing thetorta cenceña, a key ingredient in gazpachos manchegos.
Thetransportation sector has seen significant growth due to the town's geographical location and the many transport links that pass through it.
La Roda is also an important commercial hub, attracting residents from nearby towns.[9]
La Roda is one of the key transportation hubs in the southeastern part of Spain’s national road network. It serves as a junction between the toll highwayAP-36 (La Roda–Ocaña) and the A-31. The municipality is also traversed by the national highway N-301 (Ocaña–Cartagena).
In terms of rail connections, La Roda is served by several important lines, including theMadrid-Albacete-Murcia-Cartagena line, theAlcázar de San Juan-Valencia line, and theCiudad Real-Alicante line.
The historic center of La Roda was declared aConjunto histórico on May 17, 1973. The town preserves a wealth of historical and artistic heritage within its old quarter, characterized by narrow streets and squares with a distinct traditional flavor and houses adorned with coats of arms.
Key landmarks within this area include theChurch of El Salvador, built in theSpanish Renaissance style on the remains of aGothic structure; the Doña Ana wall, a prominent architectural monument in thePlateresque style, close to theHigh Renaissance; the House of the Inquisitor; the House of General Latorre; the Alcañabate House, a 17th-century building from the late High Renaissance, which also holds historical and sentimental value asTeresa of Ávila once stayed there; the House of Doctor La Encina, a palace with an ornatefaçade andcoat of arms; and the House of the Countess of Villaleal, dating from the second half of the 16th century, featuring elaborateironwork andbalconies.[citation needed]
The architecture of the old quarter includes heraldic shields, 16th and 17th-century doorways, Gothic arches, and artistically crafted iron grilles.[10]
La Roda is part of theCamino de Santiago routes that pass through the province of Albacete. Specifically, it is located on the Camino de Santiago de Levante, which connects the city ofValencia withZamora, where it joins the Ruta Jacobea de la Plata. The route traverses the province of Albacete fromAlmansa toMinaya, also passing through the municipalities ofHigueruela,Hoya-Gonzalo,Chinchilla de Monte-Aragón,Albacete,La Gineta, and La Roda.
La Roda is known for its traditionalpastry, with themiguelitos being its most famous delicacy. These sweets are made with puff pastry andcustard. In recent years, a chocolate version of miguelitos has emerged, though it is less popular.[citation needed]
Game meat features prominently in dishes such asgazpacho manchego, caldo moreno, and beans with partridge. Other hearty dishes include atascaburras, traditionally eaten on snowy days, and migas ruleras, often accompanied bygrapes,chorizo, ortorreznos.
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The tradition of thepig slaughter is still observed, producingsausages,black pudding, andpork loin. Typical dishes during the slaughter season includegachas de almortas or ajo mataero, followed by a sweet dessert called migas de niño.
Lighter dishes includepisto manchego andmoje de pimientos, both made withpeppers andtomatoes. Finally,lamb,cheeses, and wines with theDenomination of Origin La Mancha are also noteworthy.[9]
Tennis playerGuillermo García López hails from the city[11] along with David Castro who is a triathlon runner.[12]
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