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by Josep O'Callaghan                              

 

TORTOSA: a hidden gem

 

Nestled in the beautiful Catalonia and on the banks of the Ebro river that gives its name to the Iberian peninsula lies the charming city of Tortosa. With a rich history and a vibrant present, Tortosa is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered and an ideal place either for to live or to invest.

 

FOTO: DAVID PAPASEIT

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TORTOSA

 

Tortosa has a history that dates back to the Roman times and even earlier, since it was previously the city of Hibera. The city was an important strategic point since the 3nd century BC under the name of Dertosa. In fact, from ancient coins that have been found, inscriptions and other remains we know the full name of the municipality, which was Municipium Hibera Iulia Ilercavonia Dertosa. 

 

After the Roman era, Tortosa was under the control of the Visigoths and later the Moors for approximately four hundred and fifty years under the name of Turtuixa and although most of the time it was a taifa subordinate to the Caliphate of Córdoba, at its peak it even became an independent state in the form of an emirate.

 

FOTO: JOSEP O'CALLAGHAN

 

The city was finally captured by the Christians in the 12th century when it was conquered in 1148 by the Count of Barcelona Ramón Berenguer IV, after a six-month siege with the help of Southern French, Anglo-Norman and Genoese crusaders. This being the starting point of the catalan identity of the city of Tortosa and which is the essence of its personality from then until today.

 

During the Middle Ages, Tortosa was an important cultural and commercial center. The city was known for its production of wood, oil and marble, which was highly valued wares at the time. The city also had a thriving Jewish community, which contributed to its cultural richness. The city walls and the castle that still stands today are a testament to the importance of the city during this period.

 

FOTO: JOSEP O'CALLAGHAN

 

Another of the moments of splendor in the history of the city was the Renaissance period, during which it was consolidated as one of the most important ones in Catalonia. It must be taken into account that at that time Tortosa was still a seaport and the base of important foreign trade, which allowed the flourishing of a very wealthy and politically influential bourgeois class, together with the already existing noble and ecclesiastical ones.

The Royal Schools date from that time, considered the most important Renaissance monumental complex in Catalonia.

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

To commemorate all this, since 1996 and at the initiative of Mr. Ramon Cardús, former president of the Consell Comarcal del Baix Ebre, takes place the Renaissance Festival , a historical recreation that over the course of several days transports the city back to that era, through the celebration of a multitude of parades, markets and theatrical shows both in the street and in different venues or theaters in which the participants do so dressed in the style of the 16th century.

 

CC-BY-SA 4.0 / MIKIPONS

 

But later, darker episodes occurred for the city, such as the Guerra dels Segadors in 1640, in which the citizens, betrayed by the ruling classes, suffered repression by the Castilian King Felipe IV. Currently the city has a street dedicated to the victims shot in this episode.

 

And also the siege and the capture of the city by the Bourbon army in 1708, in the context of the War of Succession in which Catalonia finally lost its privileges and liberties as a nation and that perhaps in the future they can be recovered.
 

FOTO: IGNASI ALBACAR

 

The city continued to feed its tragic history during the occupation in 1811 by the Napoleonic army in the Peninsular War as well as in the Carlist Wars of the 19th century and especially during the Spanish Civil War in which it was the front line for many months (the famous and decisive Battle of the Ebro) and was practically destroyed by the fascist air raids.

In fact, the journalistic chronicle "Bombing Tortosa" of those horrifying events written by the later Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for Literature Ernest Hemingway, who was covering the conflict as a war reporter in the city of Tortosa, is famous and widely known.

 

FOTO: JUAN LUIS CAMPS

 

On the other hand, apart from his suffering in the last armed conflicts in which it was practically always part of the losing side, one of the most momentous episodes in the history of Tortosa was the fact that, despite being the head of an important bishopric and the city of reference in a wide territory, it was not designated capital of a province in 1833 at the time that the spanish administration implemented this territorial system.

 

 

This fact has seriously harmed it to this day, seriously undermining the development of what was once the third city of Catalonia. In any case, at present, the catalan administration, more sensitive to the authentic reality of the territory, does recognize it de facto as the capital of Terres de l'Ebre, one of the eight counties into which the country is divided; a demarcation that we hope will be officially consolidated one day also at the spanish state level.

 

 

Cultural Heritage and Architecture

 

Tortosa is a city that is proud of its cultural heritage. The city has a number of museums and historical sites that allow visitors to explore its rich past. One of the most notable attractions in the city is the Cathedral of Tortosa.

The cathedral was built in the Gothic style though the façade (and some interior chapels), from the 18th century and adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, is Baroque.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

In front of it we also find the Episcopal Palace, in Gothic style, which happens to be the most beautiful in Catalonia and that formerly bordered directly on the Ebro River by one of its facades.
 

Another important historical site in the city is the Castle of La Zuda. The castle dates back to the 10th century and was a key stronghold during the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore the castle and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside and if they wish, even stay in the castle itself because it is currently a luxurious four-star hotel integrated into the Paradores de Turismo network.

 

CC-BY-SA 4.0 / MIKIPONS

 

In addition to its historical sites, Tortosa also has a number of beautiful buildings that showcase its unique architecture. The city is known for its modernist buildings, which were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Casa Grego is one of the most notable modernist buildings in the city. The building was designed by the famous architect Paul Montguió and features a stunning façade that is adorned with sgraffiti with naturalistic themes.

 

Also by the same architect and of modernist inspiration are the Casa Camós and the building of the old slaughterhouse, currently converted into the Tortosa Museum. It was built on the banks of the Ebro River and is characterized by being a rectangular enclosure from which other pavilions branch out, all of them joined by interior courtyards of communication that were initially conceived.

 

FOTO: JUAN LUIS CAMPS

 

tourism

 

Tortosa is also a hidden gem for tourists. The city has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and a range of activities that make it an ideal destination for families, individuals, and collectives alike.

 

The city's historical and architectural heritage is a major draw for tourists. Tortosa's Old Town is a maze of winding streets, narrow alleys, and ancient buildings that showcase the city's Roman, Arabic, and Christian heritage.

 

Visitors can explore the city's many museums, including the Tortosa Cathedral Museum, the Tortosa History Museum, and the Museu de l'Ebre, which offer insights into the city's rich cultural history.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM 

The city sits in a green valley delimited by the mountainous massif of the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit and the Cardó Massif, the whole area being the prelude to the Ebro Delta, where a few kilometers further down the river flows into the sea.

It is because of this privileged geographical location that, for outdoor enthusiasts, Tortosa has a range of natural attractions, offering visitors opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The nearby Els Ports Natural Park is a stunning mountain range that provides a home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

FOTO: IGNASI ALBACAR

 

Tortosa is also an ideal destination for families with children. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds, including the Parc Municipal Teodor González and the Parc del Temple.

The city's many festivals and events, such as the Festa Major de la Cinta and the Renaissance Festival, provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

For collectives, Tortosa offers a range of activities and attractions that cater to different interests. The city is home to a number of cultural and artistic events throughout the year, such as the Arteria Tortosa Festival, the Tortosa Theatre Festival, the Tortosa Jazz Festival, etc.

 

The city's rich culinary scene, which includes local specialties such as the rices combined with cod, baldana, citrus fruits, etc. is also a major draw for foodies, and specially its exceptional confectionery that preserves part of the three cultures that passed through Tortosa: arab, jewish and christian, with specialties such pastissets, menjar blanc, garrofetes del Papa, coques de sagí, etc.

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

Overall, Tortosa is an attractive destination for tourists of all kinds. Its unique combination of history, culture, natural beauty, and activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Catalonia.

Whether you are a family looking for a fun-filled holiday, an individual seeking adventure and exploration, or a collective looking for a cultural experience, Tortosa has something to offer for everyone.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

SPORTS

 

Throughout its history, Tortosa has had an important presence in the sports field, with numerous teams and clubs in different sports disciplines and outstanding sports facilities.

In football, the most representative team of the city is the Club Deportivo Tortosa, whose origins date back to 1909, although the current name dates from 1934. Historically, the entity is one of the traditional clubs of Catalonia that for more years played the Third Division of Spanish football.

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

Its golden age can be placed between the 50s to the 80s, when the attendance of fans to the stadium every Sunday was very remarkable and various promotions of promotion to second division were played, dating the last of 1998.

However, during the last years and surprisingly considering the size of the town, the club has fallen into regional categories from which we hope it will be able to leave soon, but not without effort.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

Other football entities of the city theoretically minor ones but that instead do enjoy great vitality and are going through very good times to the point of even punctually surpassing C.D. Tortosa itself, are the Ebre-Escola Esportiva, Remolins-Bítem and Jesús Catalonia, all of them with a wide popular support.

 

With regard to other outstanding historical entities in other sports, it is necessary to mention the Tortosa Rowing Club, regularly with state champions and that in the past also had a remarkable handball section, a relay that has taken over at present the Centre d'Esports Tortosa, the Moto Club Tortosa, the Penya Ciclista Baix Ebre,  Club d'Escacs, Club Patí Dertusa, etc. 

 

But if someone managed to take the Tortosa sport to the top it was the main basketball entity in the town, the Cantaires Basketball Club, which – with its women's team – came to win the Spanish League and Cup on different occasions during the 80s under the sponsorship among others of the local brand Ous Roig - Sabor d'Abans.

 

As for sports facilities, of course the city of Tortosa and its districts has several spaces dedicated to different sports disciplines.

The main one is the Tortosa Municipal Stadium, with two football fields, athletics track, etc. and its annexes, among which stands out the relatively recent WIN sports complex, which has several paddle courts, gym, and indoor competition pool.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

This WIN sports complex is a facility that has been very well received and is doing a great job in terms of increasing the number of sports practitioners among the citizens.

Also located in the surroundings are a sports pavilion that was once the pioneer (there are currently several in the municipality) and the historic cycling velodrome, one of the prides of the town, for its uniqueness.

 

 

the present of tortosa

 

Tortosa is a city that is still thriving today. The city has a population of around 35,000 people and is a hub for commerce and industry in the region. The city is home to a number of companies and businesses that operate in a variety of industries, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

Tortosa is also a city that is committed to sustainability and green energy and an attractive destination for companies that are looking to invest in environmentally friendly technologies. 

Although all this is not exempt from controversy and diversity of opinions, the fact is that due to its geographical characteristics the entire region that surrounds Tortosa is an area with wide possibilities regarding the installation of both wind farms and photovoltaic solar farms and in consequently, also for companies and initiatives linked to the maintenance of such facilities or to research in these fields.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

Investing in Tortosa

 

Tortosa is an ideal place for new industrial implantations and startups of all kinds. The city has a number of advantages that make it an attractive destination for businesses.

 

First of all, Tortosa has a strategic location that makes it easily accessible from other parts of Spain and Europe. The city is located near the main highway of the future Mediterranean Corridor and has a well-developed transport infrastructure. In addition, it still has industrial land available in different industrial estates.

Secondly, Tortosa can have a sufficiently qualified workforce. At the moment it has a university offer still scarce but that is increasing significantly in recent times and there are several professional schools that offer a wide range of programs in various fields. This means that companies in Tortosa can easily find sufficiently qualified employees.

 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

 

Thirdly, Tortosa has a low cost of living and doing business. Real estate, rentals are affordable as well as labor and taxes, which makes it an attractive destination for businesses that are looking to reduce their costs.

 

Finally, Tortosa has a supportive business environment. The local government is committed to promoting economic development in the region as well as various institutions and business associations, such as the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation, with its own circumscription, AECE and others, wich help access to business networks and resources.
 

FOTO: ILOVETORTOSA.COM

The local and regional governments are committed to promoting economic development in the region, having played an important role in the latest industrial establishments (Kronospan, Florette, etc.) that for the first time have placed the Baix Ebre as a leading area in attracting industrial investment, an unthinkable milestone in the past. In addition, they offer a range of incentives and support services to businesses, such as grants, tax breaks, etc.

In addition to these advantages, Tortosa is also a city that offers a high quality of life. The city has a warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful natural scenery, and a rich cultural heritage. It is an ideal place for entrepreneurs and professionals who are looking to balance work and life.

 

FOTO: JUAN LUIS CAMPS

 

For businesses that are looking to invest in Tortosa, there are a number of opportunities available. The city has some well-developed industrial parks that offers a range of services and facilities for businesses. This includes industrial land, office space, and support services such as logistics, training, and research and development.

 

The city also has a number of strategic sectors that offer opportunities for investment. These include agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Tortosa is home to a number of companies that are leaders in these sectors, and there is a strong network of suppliers, service providers, and research institutions that support these industries.

 

FOTO: MANEL LLARCH

 

For startups and entrepreneurs, Tortosa is also an attractive destination. The city has a thriving startup ecosystem that is supported by a number of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. The city also hosts a number of startup events and competitions that provide opportunities for networking and funding.

 

Conclusion

 

Tortosa is a city that offers a unique combination of history, culture, and opportunity. It's a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered by businesses and investors. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, supportive business environment, and high quality of life, Tortosa is an ideal place for new industrial implantations and startups of all kinds.

 

Whether you are looking to invest in a strategic sector, start a new business, or simply explore the rich cultural heritage of the city, Tortosa has something to offer. We invite you to discover this charming city and see for yourself why it is one of the best places to invest in Spain.

 

FOTO: JUAN LUIS CAMPS