Ascó

infobox catalan city
title=Ascó
arms=Escut d'Ascó.svg
location_

province=Tarragona
comarca=Ribera d'Ebre
population=1616
population_year=2007
area=73.63
population_density=21.95
elevation=70
demonym=Asconenc, asconenca
mayor=Rafael Vidal i Ibars

Ascó is a large village in the comarca of Ribera d'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain, on the right bank of the Ebre river. The village of Ascó is known for its nuclear power station, and for excellent fishing in the river.

The local economy is based upon agriculture and work at the power station. The local area is studded with groves full of almonds, olives, grapes, and occasionally citrus fruits. It is approximately 26 km (18 miles) from Mequinenza, 4.7 km (3 miles) from Flix, 8.6 km (5.5 miles) from Riba-roja d'Ebre and 16 km (10 miles) from Gandesa, in the area where the Battle of the Ebro was fought during the Spanish civil war. The terrain is a mixture of flatland, hills, mountains, forests and farmland.

Attractions and amenities

Ascó has shops, banks, post offices, a restaurant, several tapas bars, a baker, pharmacy, newsstand, cafés, etc., all within a 3 minute walk from the river bank. There are also schools, a college, and a railway station on the main line to Valencia, Barcelona, and Zaragoza. It is less than an hour drive from Reus airport and Salou.

The village is built on the side of a hill overlooking the river and has the remains of a ruined castle on its summit. There are cycle paths and walking paths known as Vias Verdes (green ways) which follow the river and which offer spectacular views of the Ebre valley.

Fishing

Zander, carp, catfish, mullet, and bass fishing is excellent in the river which has good easy access and low banks. There are fishing guides who specialise in fishing this area. The area is little fished and catches can be excellent. Local fishermen may act as guides. The fishing is not free and night fishing is banned. A fishing licence for Catalonia is required. Carp fishing is best in winter when the carp form huge shoals. Catfishing is best in summer when the catfish go on huge feeding frenzies. Local catfishing guides at Ascó usually stock bait and tackle.

Demography

infobox catalan city demography
pop_1900=2499
pop_1930=2422
pop_1950=1885
pop_1970=1630
pop_1986=1847
pop_latest=1616
latest_year=2007

References

* Panareda Clopés, Josep Maria; Rios Calvet, Jaume; Rabella Vives, Josep Maria (1989). "Guia de Catalunya", Barcelona:Caixa de Catalunya. ISBN 84-87135-01-3 (Spanish). ISBN 84-87135-02-1 (Catalan).

External links

* [http://www.asco.altanet.org/ Official website] ca
* [http://www.municat.net:8000/omunicat/owa/mun_p01.dad_ens?via=0&cod=4301920002 Information - Generalitat de Catalunya] ca
* [http://www.idescat.cat/territ/BasicTerr?TC=3&V0=1&PDF=FALSE&V1=43019 Statistical information - Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya] ca