TORRELAVEGA

city, Cantabria provincia and comunidad autnoma (autonomous community), northern Spain. It lies southwest of Santander city, at the confluence of the Besaya and Saja rivers. The city is an industrial and rail communications centre, and its livestock fair is one of the most famous in Spain. Manufactures include chemicals (dyes and sulfuric acid), plastics, and synthetic fibres. The municipality has iron, lead, and zinc mines. Founded in the 14th century, the city owes its name to the Garcilaso de la Vega family, notable in medieval times. The caves of Altamira, famous for their prehistoric paintings, are in the vicinity. Pop. (1981) 55,786.