Ciudad Rodrigo, town in the province of Salamanca, Spain, on a hill 660 m (2160 ft) above sea level. Ciudad Rodrigo, an episcopal see, owes its importance in large part to its position near the Portuguese frontier, 24 km (15 mi) to the west. The town was originally a Roman settlement, but was taken by the Moors during their conquest of Spain in the 8th century. The area was finally retrieved by Spain in the 12th century, and the town was founded by Count Rodrigo González, after whom it was named. Ciudad Rodrigo played a key role in the wars between Spain and Portugal beginning in the 14th century. The French Marshal Michel Ney besieged and captured the town in 1810. Arthur Wellesley, later the 1st Duke of Wellington, attacked the town in January 1812 and, for his capture of the community, was made Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo.
Ciudad Rodrigo is surrounded by walls, partly of Roman origin, and by bulwarks that date from the reign of Philip V (1700-1746). The town's cathedral was begun in the 12th century by Ferdinand II of León (ruled 1157-1188) and altered during later centuries. It has a beautiful cloister, two Romanesque side portals, and a Gothic main portal. An old castle is also located in the town. Population (1998 estimate) 14,553.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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