Often, when we think of a city, we imagine the typical characteristics that define it: a place with hospitals, schools, dentists, shopping centers, and even a university. But above all, what truly defines the title of a city, regardless of the facilities it has, is undoubtedly the number of inhabitants &nbps;
In order for a town to be considered a city, the number of citizens is analyzed. In Spain, for a locality to be considered a city, it must have at least 10,000 inhabitants. However, there is a peculiar medieval village that is the exception to the rule. This is the town of Frías, located in the province of Burgos.
Frías is considered the smallest city in Spain as it only has 267 inhabitants. But how is it possible that a town with such a small population is considered a city and not a village?
In the year 1202, the inhabitants of Frías had to fight to defend their privileges, organizing a popular revolt as a result. King Alfonso VIII of Castile granted them a royal charter. Later, during the Reconquest period, the kings of Castile, León, and Aragon granted titles, lands, or privileges to those regions that played a significant role in the defense of the territory and in the repopulation.
Medieval Castle of Frías, Burgos
Frias played a fundamental role, and for this reason King Juan II granted them the title of city in 1435. The fact that this village was recognized as a city made it one of the most prestigious regions, as it was also granted free autonomy in decision-making.
After the reconquest of Muslim territories, Frías again came under Christian control. Over time, it played an important role in the commercial sector, serving as a trading point between different regions.
Medieval Bridge of Frías
A medieval village
Frías
Frías, a village that seems to have come out of a fairy tale, is located atop a hill overlooking the Ebro Valley. It is a place that must be visited at least once in a lifetime. It boasts a well-preserved walled enclosure, a stroll along its walls and throughout the old town, its streets that still retain their medieval style, its hanging houses, the medieval bridge, and the Church of San Vicente. All these monuments make up one of the finest examples of defensive architecture in Spain.
Houses in Frías, Burgos
One of the most popular festivals in Frías is the 'Captain's Festival', commemorating a historical event: in the 15th century, there was an invasion of troops. At that time, a young man decided to be the captain to defend the city, and together with the townspeople, they successfully managed to win. Since then, it has been celebrated as a popular tradition on the last Sunday of April.
And although its population has decreased since the Middle Ages, this idyllic village continues to be considered a city, making it not only the smallest city in Spain but also one of the smallest in the world.
