ELDA

city, Alicante province, in the autonomous community (region) of Valencia, southeastern Spain, northwest of Alicante city. Of ancient origin, Elda was called Idella by the Iberians, early peoples of Spain. The city first achieved importance under the Moors, who occupied it in the 8th century and built a castle (ruins remain); it was re-Christianized by James I of Aragon in 1265. In the 18th century Elda was given the title Fidelsima (most faithful) by Philip V for its loyalty to the crown during the War of the Spanish Succession. Elda, connected by rail with Almansa and Alicante, is the centre of a fertile grain and fruit-producing area. Its manufactures include shoes, paper, furniture, and esparto fibre. Pop. (1981) 52,134.