Calatayud

Calatayud is a city and municipality in the autonomous community of Aragon, northeastern Spain. It is the capital of Campo de Calatayud, a comarca in Zaragoza province, and sits on the southern bank of the Jalón River near the Moncayo Massif. The city lies about 80 kilometers northeast of Zaragoza. Its population is around 23,000 people.

Calatayud has a long history that includes a period as an Islamic fortress site and later as a key border stronghold of the Crown of Aragon following the Reconquista. The historic center preserves a mix of architectural styles, including Mudéjar, Romanesque, and Gothic elements. Notable remnants include La Zuda, the remains of the Arab fortress, and several religious buildings such as the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, a church dating to the 12th–13th centuries and renowned for its Mudéjar influence.

Main sights in the city center comprise the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, the Zuda fortress site, medieval streets, and city walls and towers that reflect its defensive past. The urban landscape shows how different periods shaped the town’s layout and skyline.

Economy and culture in Calatayud are influenced by its surrounding wine country. The region falls under the Calatayud Denominación de Origen (DO) for wine, particularly red varieties. Other economic activities include agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and services that support the regional population. The city serves as a regional center for trade, education, and cultural events related to its historical and religious heritage.

Geographically, Calatayud is set in a mix of plains and foothills of the Iberian System, and it is accessible by road and rail connections that link it with Zaragoza, Madrid, and other cities.