Frías is a town located in the northern part of the province of Burgos, in Castile and León, Spain. In 2010 it had a population of only 275 inhabitants.
Frías is a historic medieval town on a hill above the river Ebro, which has been a strategic point to cross river Ebro in the routes communicating with the Cantabrian Sea. Today the town is a popular tourist spot. It has an impressive castle dominating the river and the twelfth-century bridge across it. It is considered to be the smallest "city" in Spain, having been given that title in 1435.
There are two convents and two churches in the town. The gothic church of San Vitores is particularly worth visiting.
Frias is aptly named in homage to the temperature of the water that flowed from the mountainous peaks draining into the Tobalina Valley. There is first mention of Frias in the late 9th century but after the year 1000, it was incorporated into the kingdom of Navarre located in Burgos. Frias’ history is one that includes war which fueled its growth and development even when controlled by adversaries.
As the kingdom of Navarre, Frias was controlled by King Sancho III the Great. In 1504, Navarre was defeated in battle and reincorporated into Castile. Frias would go on to be controlled by Diego Lopez de Haro, the Lord of Biscay in the late 11th century and Alfonso VIII in 1200.
After 1201, Frias was granted a set of laws and sense of freedom by Alfonso VIII that allowed them the right of succession, ability to elect a mayor, and tools to stimulate their economy. With these laws enacted, Frias was able to thrive and prosper until it was granted the title of city by King John II in 1435.
In the summer of 1450, Frias was overtaken by a Balmaseda army of 1500 men; albeit the Frias townspeople joined together and successfully attacked the army. This attack is celebrated every year in an event called Fiesta del Capitan. Frias would continue to experience ebbs and flows of bondage and freedom until 1811 when feudalism was abolished in all of Spain.
Add new comment