monelta

Monelta is a municipality located in the province of Zaragoza, within the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. It lies in the western part of the Ribera del Ebro comarca, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the provincial capital, Zaragoza. As of the latest census, the town has a population of roughly 1,200 inhabitants, reflecting a modest decline common to many rural settlements in the region.

The settlement's origins trace back to the medieval period, when it was granted a charter under the influence of the Kingdom of Navarre. The name “Monelta” is believed to derive from the Latin *mons* (mountain) and the diminutive suffix *-elta*, referencing its position on a gentle hill overlooking the Ebro River floodplain. Throughout the centuries, Monelta's economy has been predominantly agricultural, focusing on cereal cultivation, irrigated fruits, and livestock breeding. In the 20th century, small-scale manufacturing and service industries emerged, although agriculture remains the primary economic activity.

Cultural heritage in Monelta includes the Romanesque church of San Miguel, dating from the 12th century, and an annual festival honoring the town’s patron saint, celebrated each July with traditional music, dances, and communal meals. The municipality also participates in regional initiatives aimed at sustainable water management and rural development, seeking to balance preservation of its historical character with contemporary economic challenges.