“Villodrigo” may sound like a far-off land. But here at Allée de Villodrigo in Rosny-sous-Bois, we find ourselves connected to a place with a history stretching across borders. Allée de Villodrigo is more than just a street. It’s a connection to a Spanish village.
Let’s explore the story behind this name. Villodrigo is a municipality in the province of Palencia. It is found in the autonomous community of Castile and León in Spain. The Spanish Villodrigo is part of the natural region of El Cerrato. The Allée de Villodrigo likely gets its name from this Spanish town.
The village of Villodrigo is small. It has a population of about 96 people. Its density is around 11 inhabitants per square kilometer. The village sits at an altitude of 764 meters. It covers a surface area of 9.03 square kilometers.
Now you may wonder how a street in France got its name from a small Spanish village. Unfortunately, records don’t reveal the exact reason for this naming choice. It remains a local mystery. The Allée de Villodrigo serves as a reminder of the connections between cultures. It quietly celebrates a small Spanish town within the French landscape.
Interestingly, Villodrigo in Spain was the site of a battle during the Spanish Civil War. In this battle, the 1st Legion of mounted gendarmerie clashed with English cavalry. The Spanish cavalry charged with sabers. They broke through enemy lines. They caused 250 deaths and took 85 prisoners. Colonel Bétaille survived the battle despite receiving 12 saber blows. Perhaps this battle is connected to why Allée de Villodrigo got its name.
The Allée de Villodrigo in Rosny-sous-Bois offers a moment to reflect. It prompts us to consider the stories behind street names. It also lets us appreciate the links between different places and their histories. As you walk along Allée de Villodrigo, think of the small village in Spain. It’s a village with its own story.