Send Gift Baskets to Talavera de la Reina, Spain

Talavera de la Reina was founded at the confluence of the rivers Alberche and Tagus. The most ancient ruins of this area can be found in this area of great ecological wealth settled by Celtic people.

Caesarobriga was the name of the city during the Roman Empire. As part of the Roman province of Lusitania, Quintus Fulvius Flaccus conquered the city. They established it as the capital of an extended area included in the legal convent of Emerita Augusta. Between 145 and 139 BCE, Viriato lived in this territory during his war against the Romans. Talavera de la Reina was a wealthy city with cattle markets and commercial exchanges during this period. It was Christianized early in the city’s history, and the Visigoths established the city after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. (Aküis) or (Aibura) were the names then given to Talavera. In 602, King Liuva II presented the Virgin Mary to Talavera de la Reina as the symbol of the Christians and the replacement for Ceres. The Talaverian Romans celebrated the spring festival called Mondas in honor of Ceres, which is still celebrated for the Virgin Mary today.

It was the Muslims who conquered Talavera in 712. Talavera’s walls were rebuilt, and a castle was built. They also used fountains, water mills, and new products brought from Africa and Asia. A fertile soil produced quality vegetables, fruits, and grass for animal feed. Living in harmony for centuries, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish populations gained new strength in the markets. As a result of its alliance with Córdoba and Badajoz, Medina Al Talavayra took part in different wars between the kingdoms of Spain. During the reign of Alfonso VI of León-Castile, the city was seized by his son Alfonso VI. By 1109, Muslims had temporarily retaken the town.

A population of 10,000 was reached by the end of the third century’s 16th century.

In November 1700, two powerful nations fought for the Spanish Crown following the death of King Charles II. Ultimately, Philip V’s French faction won thanks to Talavera’s support.

During the reign of Ferdinand VI, the Royal Factory of Silk, Silver, and Gold Fabric was opened in the city as part of the economic policies enforced by the Spanish Bourbons.

During the 18th century, the number of hidalgos decreased, and there was still much socioeconomic importance for the clergy. As the Revolution gained momentum, several religious French emigrants arrived at Talavera. Non-specialized workers and textile workers comprised most of the working population during the second half of the century, followed by ceramics workers (with diminishing importance compared to previous centuries) and those employed in the service industry, followed by the food industry, leather industry, and shoe industry.