Puebla de Sanabria

View of the old town from the ruins of San Carlos Fort

Puebla de Sanabria is a municipality in the province of Zamora, in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León. It is located in the Sanabria region, bordering Portugal and Galicia. The consolidation of this town as the capital of the entire Sanabria region likely occurred during the reign of Alfonso VII of León (1126-1157). In 1195, Alfonso IX of León organized the political, economic, legal, and military functions of Puebla de Sanabria, making it one of the Leonese strongholds on the border with Portugal. Furthermore, on September 1, 1220, he granted it a charter, inspired by the Fuero de Benavente, and rebuilt and improved its castle and fortified walls. The impetus given to the town by this monarch led to Puebla de Sanabria acquiring significant importance throughout the 12th century a notable economic, political and military relevance, which would be maintained later, as shown by the confirmation and partial modification of its charter by King Alfonso X "the Wise" (Seville, May 19, 1273).