Santa Cilia

Santa Cilia (in Aragonese: Santa Zilia[2][3]) is a municipality located in Jacetania, province of Huesca, Aragon, Spain. It is 14 km from the town of Jaca between the River Aragon and the national highway N-240.

Santa Cilia (Spanish)

Santa Zilia (Aragonese)
Flag
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Santa Cilia (Spanish)
Location of Santa Cilia in Spain
Coordinates: 42°33′38″N 0°42′52″W
CountrySpain
Autonomous communityAragon
ProvinceHuesca
ComarcaJacetania
Government
 • MayorManuel Máñez Vivas
Area
 • Total28 km2 (11 sq mi)
Elevation
649 m (2,129 ft)
Population
 (2018)[1]
 • Total231
 • Density8.3/km2 (21/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
WebsiteOfficial website

History

Santa Cilia's history is linked to the Royal Monastery de San Juan de la Peña as far back as the 10th century. In 1336 "the town was deserted and destroyed by the instability, death and heavy burdens on its neighbours." At about the same time the present layout of the old town was created, consisting of a nearly six blocks, though its straight streets are reminiscent of a Roman camp.

The church was rebuilt, replacing a medieval church with the addition of a bell-tower in 1646. Walls to protect the church from flooding were added in the 18th century.

The old medieval bridge is now broken, but once stretched 160m with eight spans and was an important toll bridge over the River Aragon.

Santa Cilia became a municipality in 1834 and attained its greatest population in 1920 with 520 inhabitants and about 90 houses. However emigration, mainly to Argentina, France and Barcelona reduced its size to the present day level.

Mayors
List of mayors
Years Name Political party
1979–1983 Santiago Mañez Vivas
1983–1987 Domingo Ascaso Acín
1987–1991 José Lalana Serrano
1991–1995 Angel Ascaso Torralba
1995–1999 Manuel Mañez Vivas Chunta Aragonesista
1999–2003 Manuel Mañez Vivas Chunta Aragonesista
2003–2007 Manuel Mañez Vivas Chunta Aragonesista
2007–2011 Manuel Mañez Vivas Chunta Aragonesista

Demographic data

Population data for Santa Cilia between 1842 and 2007:[4]

Historical population of Santa Cilia
Year184218771887189719001910192019301940195019601970198119912010
Population291408434412484511506437424431362253214158209

Modern times
Santa Cilia airfield and Rio Aragon valley

Its airfield is a popular with glider pilots who wish to explore the nearby Pyrenees.

Villages
  • Santa Cilia
  • Somanés is a hamlet with 14 inhabitants that has been part of the municipality since 1969. It has a baroque 18th-century parish church dedicated to San Ramon.

Festivals
  • 30 April (Romería a la Virgen de la Peña)
  • 15 May (San Isidro)
  • 8 September (La Natividad de la Virgen)

References
  1. Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.
  2. Consello Asesor de l'Aragonés, toponyms on the comarca of a Chazetania
  3. Toponyms: towns with local name in Aragonese in Great Aragonese Encyclopedia
  4. INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística de España Archived 11 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
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