El Provencio

Infobox City
official_name = El Provencio, Cuenca


map_caption = Map of El Provencio.
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Spain
subdivision_name1 = Cuenca
leader_title = Mayor
area_land_km2 =
leader_name =
population_as_of = 2002
population_note =
population_total = 2599
population_density_km2 = 1370.9
timezone = UTC+1
utc_offset = +1

El Provencio is a small town and municipality in Cuenca (province), Spain with a population of some 2,599 permanent inhabitants (2002 est.). It offers some of the most vibrant nightlife in the area, attracting visitors from nearby towns like Las Pedroñeras for 'Las Fiestas', with its five discotechs amongst other things. Apart from this, it offers a cultural experience of central Spain, keeping much of its medieval heritage. In fact, it sits on the newly planted trail that marks the route followed by the character Don Quixote in the Cervantes novel by the same name. El Provencio sits in the extreme southern area of Cuenca, bordering both Albacete and Cuidad Real. The major highway linking the town to the rest of Spain is the National 301 Madrid - Cartagena, and it is about 81 kilometers south of Cuenca, the city.

History

The reason for the foundation of El Provencio, by Infante Don Juan Manuel, is attributed to the existence of the Zancara River as a source of water. El Provencio could have been founded as early as 1318, the earliest date available which refers to the foundation of the town. Don Juan Manuel was at the time Lord of Alarcón and was regent of Murcia, and was related in many ways to various kings on the Iberian peninsula. He is considered one of the Spanish warriors of the Reconquista and is known for his campaigns of terror, and was also known for the foundation of various settlements throughout the area. One of these came to be known as El Provencio, which was situated between Murcia and the various regions owned by Spanish religious orders. Ultimately, Don Juan Manuel would marry the daughter of King James II of Aragon, which would link the kingdom of Aragon to El Provencio. In fact, Don Alfonso of Aragon would become the first count of this Castilian area soon thereafter.

During the Spanish Civil War the town was socialist, and today is loyal to the Spanish PSOE party.

Tourism

References

"Proyecto de Turismo Rural de El Provencio," Ayuntamiento del el Provencio