WHO WE ARE
History. This area has been populated for centuries. Silex objects from paleolithic period have been found here. Mejorada was founded in the 12th century. It belonged to the archbishop of Segovia. In the 13th century its name changed into Mejorada of the King because it decided to be under the royal influence.
Population, situation on the map and economy. Currently, it has got about 23,800 inhabitants. The river Jarama and the river Henares merg
e in the lands of the municipality. Its economy used to be based on agriculture. Olive trees used to be one of the main crops. Its population has grown significantly in the last decades due to its proximity to the capital of Spain, Madrid. It is only 20 minutes to Madrid by car but the public means of transport are only buses. (picture from Flickr by Manolo Leiro)
The economy now shares the characteristics of the economy of the area. The economy has been shaped by the economic impact of the American military base of Torrejón de Ardoz and the proximity of the airport, but also to the road from Madrid to Barcelona. The top industries are advanced technology, logistics, and various services such as laundry services from the hospitals in Madrid.
Mejorada has welcomed many immigrants from Morocco, Latin America and Eastern countries, mainly Romania.
Landmark. The most famous landmark is Justo’s cathedral, a monument
created thanks to the eagerness, hard work and monetary support of Justo Gallego, who by consulting old books about the building of the medieval cathedrals was able to raise this monument. It has got a large size and is visited by many tourists. It is the symbol of what a person can reach by his willpower. He dedicated all his life to this dream and there is an association, Mensajeros de la Paz, which is working on it to finish and continue Justo’s dream.
Nearby sites. Alcalá de Henares is a UNESCO heritage site due to its university founded by Cardinal Cisneros in the early 16th century as a city in itself. It was the first university planned as such and the model of this university was taken by the Jesuit missionaries to America and reproduced in many towns and cities. This model was copied in Europe as well. This is also the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, our most well-known writer.
