Zamora

Zamora: cathedral

Zamora, city, capital of Zamora provincia (province), in the comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Castile-León, northwestern Spain. It lies along the northern bank of the Duero (Portuguese: Douro) River, northwest of Madrid. The city occupies a rocky height overlooking the Duero, a little below its confluence with the Valderaduey River. In the early period of the Reconquest (8th–11th century), the city was strategically important and passed between Christian and Moorish rule several times. It finally became subject to Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1073. In the 15th century it was held for a time by the Portuguese supporters of Princess Juana, claimant to the Castilian throne, but was finally surrendered to Ferdinand II (the Catholic) in 1475.

Outstanding landmarks include a fine 14th-century bridge across the Duero, consisting of 16 pointed arches; the citadel of Zamora, dating from the 8th century; and the Romanesque cathedral, one of four 12th-century churches, completed c. 1174. The city is the centre for agricultural trade, local commerce, and administration in the region. Roads and highways from Zamora lead to central Spain, to the northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula, and to Portugal. Pop. (2006 est.) 66,002.