Arredondo: The Capital of the World
Questions This Article Answers
Why is the village of Arredondo famous?
Why is Arredondo known as La Capital del Mundo?
What does indiano mean?
What are the best things to do in Arredondo?
Can I go caving in Arredondo?
Arredondo: The Capital of the World?
As you come into the village of Arredondo, you’re greeted by a beaten-up plaque bearing the phrase Arredondo: La Capital del Mundo(Arredondo: The Capital of the World). This is a little chocante(shocking) because it’s a village whose population in 2021 was just 470. So, how’d this tiny village get such a big nickname? The answer lies with los indianos.
Who Were the Indianos?
Indianos is a term used in Spain to refer to Spanish immigrants who immigrated to the Americas, made a fortune, and then went back to Spain. When they returned to Spain, many spent part of their wealth building lavish casonas(mansions) or donating it to build religious or civil architecture. Arredondo’s principal indianos were Antonio Gutiérrez Solana, Antonio Trueba Barquín, and Francisco Maza Abascal, who financed buildings in the town, such as the church and the school.
It is said that so many people from Arredondo went abroad and found riches that the town earned the nickname “the capital of the world.”
Arredondo: The Last Name
While it’s no López, Hernández, or Gómez, Arredondo is a popular last name throughout parts of the Spanish-speaking world! According to data from Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía(National Institute of Statistics and Geography), Arrendondo was among the top 250 most popular last names for children born in Mexico between 2017 and 2020! The last name is slightly less common in Spain, where just over 5,000 people have it as one of their two last names. There are also Arredondos throughout the United States.
The surname Arredondo may come from the town, or it may come from a combination of Basque words. The exact origin does not seem clear.
What to See in Arredondo
Despite the fact that the capital del mundo is, in fact, a tiny village, there is a lot to see in this little town. First, be sure to check out el nacimiento del río Asón. Legend has it that the waterfall where the river begins is actually a fairy’s mane! You can also visit la ermita rupestre de San Juan de Socueva, a cave chapel from the tenth century.
Speaking of caves, Arredondo is popular with experienced cavers from around the world because of the region’s underground treasures. Do not go caving by yourself here; the caves are tough and dangerous. Hire an experienced guide who knows the region well. When we say the caves are dangerous, we’re not kidding. Did you know that the second-deepest vertical cave in the world is located in the neighboring town of Ruesga? The Gran Pozo MTDEor torca del Porrónis 1,430 feet deep. That’s a sheer vertical drop that’s taller than the Eiffel Tower!
The Landlocked Lighthouse
Another curious thing to see in Arredondo is the church’s bell tower. It looks like a lighthouse! This is a strange sight to see in a mountain town. Some of the town’s indianos gave money to build the neoclassical church and its bell tower. It is said that the bell tower was inspired by the faro de Cabo Mayor(Cabo Mayor Lighthouse) in nearby Santander.
Spanish Vocabulary: Arredondo
Here are some words in Spanish that will help you make your way around Arrendondo.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| casona | mansion |
| cueva | cave |
| ermita | hermitage, chapel |
| faro | lighthouse |
| indiano | Spanish immigrant to the Americas who has returned to their Spanish home |
| torca | pit, vertical cave |
| torre | tower |
Want to learn more about Spanish culture? Be sure to check out the following articles!
