Ciudad Real

Ciudad Real, city, capital of Ciudad Real provincia (province), in Castile–La Mancha comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), south-central Spain. On a fertile plain watered by the Guadiana and Jabalón rivers, it was founded in 1255 by Alfonso X (the Wise) as Villa Real and declared a city by John II in 1420. Late in the 15th century it became the seat of the Inquisition tribunal, subsequently moved 75 miles (120 km) north to Toledo. Notable landmarks include remains of the 14th-century walls; the Gate of Toledo (Puerta de Toledo; built 1328 in the Mudéjar style), a national monument; and the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santa María del Prado. Ciudad Real is the focus of a road network and an agricultural processing and market centre; lumbering, flour milling, and liquor distilling are carried on. The service sector dominates the local economy. A high-speed-train connection with Madrid (reached in less than an hour) has contributed to economic activity in Ciudad Real. Pop. (2006 est.) 68,311.