Requena

Requena: Gothic portal of the church of Santa María

Requena, city, Valencia provincia (province) and comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), eastern Spain. Overlooking the left bank of the Magro River, the city, 2,270 feet (692 metres) above sea level, commands the Utiel plain. Settlement of Requena’s site dates from antiquity; there are remains of Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Muslim occupation. During the 12th and 13th centuries the city was a battleground between the Moors and the Christians. Notable historic buildings include the 14th-century churches of El Salvador, with a fine Gothic facade, and Santa María, which has an unusual Gothic portal. Requena has long been an important agricultural market centre and is especially renowned for its red wine. It also has textile and metal industries. Paved roads connect Requena to the cities of Madrid and Valencia. Pop. (2007 est.) mun., 20,440.