Sant Carles de la Ràpita

Sant Carles de la Ràpita
Municipality

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Coat of arms
Sant Carles de la Ràpita

Location in Catalonia

Coordinates: 40°37′00″N 0°35′30″E / 40.61667°N 0.59167°E / 40.61667; 0.59167Coordinates: 40°37′00″N 0°35′30″E / 40.61667°N 0.59167°E / 40.61667; 0.59167
Country  Spain
Community  Catalonia
Province Tarragona
Comarca Montsià
Government
  Mayor Josep Carles Caparrós García (2015)[1]
Area[2]
  Total 53.7 km2 (20.7 sq mi)
Elevation 11 m (36 ft)
Population (2014)[1]
  Total 15,003
  Density 280/km2 (720/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Rapitenc, rapitenca
Website www.larapita.cat

Sant Carles de la Ràpita is a town in the area of the Montsià in Catalonia, Spain. The town covers a portion of the south-west of the Ebro Delta, including el Trabucador isthmus and la Banya peninsula, which close off a salt water lagoon known as the Port dels Alfacs. The town of Sant Carles de la Ràpita is situated on the coast near the mouth of the lagoon. It was founded by Charles III of Spain as a port to serve trade with the Spanish colonies, and constructed in the neoclassical style of the period. However, much of the town remained uncompleted after Charles' death.

Sant Carles is part of the Taula del Sénia free association of municipalities. It is known for the production of rice and salt, and is also an important fishing port, particularly for shellfish and prawns, and a tourist centre. In the last few years, the town has suffered a huge urban development due to the construction of many apartments and residential buildings.

Demography

1900 1930 1950 1970 1986 2007
3901 6039 7960 8964 10,306 14,262

The town now hosts two large marinas, a beach, a market and many shops and restaurants. It is attractive and draws an increasing number of tourists each summer.

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 7/13/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.