MANRESA

town, Barcelona provincia, in the comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Catalonia, northeastern Spain. It lies along the Cardoner River. The townwhich probably originated as Minorisa, the Roman capital of Jacetaniwas important during the European Middle Ages. Three bridges span the Cardoner, and on a rock above the oldest bridge stands the yellow Church of Santa Mara de la Seo (14th and 15th centuries). Below the 17th-century Church of San Ignacio is the cave where St. Ignatius of Loyola meditated. The municipal museum occupies the cloisters of San Ignacio. There is also a conservatory of music in Manresa. The town's industries include metallurgy and the making of textiles, tires, and glass. Pop. (1987 est.) 65,285.