Tortosa

Tortosa is a city and municipality in the Baix Ebre comarca of Catalonia, Spain. It is the capital of the comarca and lies on the left bank of the Ebre river near its delta, close to the Mediterranean coast. The municipality has a population of around 34,000 residents.

The area has ancient roots, with Roman-era settlement under the name Dertosa. In the Middle Ages it developed as a religious and commercial center. James I of Aragon captured Tortosa from Muslim forces in 1148, a turning point in the Reconquista, and the town later became the seat of the County of Tortosa within the Crown of Aragon. Its historic core preserves a medieval street layout, fortifications, and religious monuments that reflect a long, mixed heritage.

Among its landmarks are the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tortosa, constructed from the 14th to the 16th centuries in a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the Episcopal Palace. The hilltop fortress known as La Suda overlooks the old town, and the river-side bridges link the historic center with newer districts.

Economically, Tortosa sits in an agricultural and service-oriented region dominated by the Ebre river and nearby delta, with rice cultivation and citrus farming in the surrounding countryside. The city serves as a regional cultural and commercial hub, with museums, markets, and events that reflect its diverse history and riverine setting.