REQUENA

city, Valencia provincia and comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), eastern Spain. Overlooking the left bank of the Magro River, the city, 2,270 feet (692 m) above sea level, commands the Utiel plain. Settlement of Requena's site dates from antiquity; there are remains of Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Muslim occupation. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the city was a battleground between the Moors and the Christians. Notable historic buildings include the 14th-century churches of El Salvador, with a fine Gothic facade, and Santa Mara, which has an unusual Gothic portal. Requena has long been an important agricultural market centre and is especially renowned for its red vintage wine. It also has textile and metal industries. Pop. (1981) 12,349; (1991) mun., 17,484.