Teruel

Teruel

If you want to understand Teruel properly, you need to take the time to appreciate its rich heritage, its unique layout, its gastronomy and its singular landscapes. It is also necessary to talk to the local people who, despite numbering only 30,000, know how to make visitors feel very welcome.

Teruel is synonymous with Mudéjar art. It is undoubtedly the Mudéjar capital thanks to the wide variety of buildings belonging to this style. In short, a collection of artistic monuments which has been awarded the UNESCO title of World Heritage Site. It forms part of the Mudéjar route in Aragón.

The Cathedral was built during the 12th and 13th centuries. The tower has romanesque influences and was built in brick with tile decoration. It has another smaller, ornate tower in 16th century romanesque style at the top. At the base of the cathedral, a street passes through a pointed arch. The interior features a spectacular Mudéjar panelled ceiling which shows the history of the city and is the only one of its kind in the world. The ceiling above the central nave is considered the Mudéjar equivalent of the Sistine chapel.

The church of el Salvador has a tower of the same name. It has a typical minaret style and features rich green and white tile decoration. Its sister tower is called San Martín.

The church of la Merced was the last example of Mudéjar architecture to be built in Teruel and dates from the 16th century.

The tower of San Pedro's church is next to the church of the same name. It has two intersecting arches and is the smallest of the famous Mudéjar towers in Teruel. The 12th century church of San Pedro has an annexed chapel dedicated to the Teruel Lovers: "El mausoleo de los Amantes". It is a tragic story that mixes historical fact and legend.

The Episcopal Palace was begun in the late 16th century but not completed until the 18th.

The church of los Franciscanos provides an excellent contrast with the large number of Mudéjar buildings in Teruel as it is a splendid example of gothic architecture.

The flight of steps was built between 1920 and 1921 in a clearly neo-mudéjar style.

Not everything in Teruel dates from the middle ages. Another of the characteristic features of the city are the modernist style buildings which can be found in the town centre, such as Casa Ferrán or the El Torico fabric shop.

Not far from Teruel in Villaspesa, the church of el Salvador has historical and modernist influences. It is an interesting building which was created by the architect Monguió (1911-12).

The monuments mentioned above are surely reason enough to visit the city, however in recent times Teruel has created another attraction: Dinópolis, , a theme park created around the numerous palaeontological remains found in different parts of the province.

As you walk through Teruel, the twisting streets and alleyways, reminders of the city’s medieval past, will lead you to the most important public and commercial areas like the Plaza del Torico and the Plaza de San Juan. If you move away from the old part you will discover the city’s curious layout: it is built on a series of ridges above the river Turia. A series of viaducts and the aqueduct of Los Arcos join the different districts.

Another attraction of Teruel is the opportunity to try its typical products, especially its jamón Serrano (cured ham). Teruel ham has a special flavour thanks to the harsh climate of cold winters and strong winds. It has a special guarantee of quality and origin.

Festivities: The festivity known as "Bodas de Isabel de Segura" is normally held during the first or second weekend in February, usually coinciding with Valentine’s Day (February 14th). There are medieval theatrical plays in the streets. The most important story is the legend of the Teruel Lovers, Diego and Isabel, and takes place during the whole weekend, from Thursday to Sunday. The local people dress in medieval costume, the streets are lined with straw and handicraft stalls and there are exhibitions and other cultural activities about the medieval period. This is perhaps the best medieval fair in Aragón. The Fiestas del Ángel festivity is the most important in the city and it is dedicated to el Santo Angel. It is normally held during the second weekend in July. During the first days there are fun and cultural activities, exhibitions and concerts. At the weekend the city changes and the old part fills with local people enjoying music and being with groups of friends in the streets. It is a well known festivity which is often compared with the San Fermin festivities in Pamplona. Events which deserve a special mention are the “puesta del pañuelico al Torico” (a handkerchief is tied on the small statue of a bull in the main square), “el Toque del Campanico” (bell ringing) and the bullfighting activities.

In September there is a ham festivity where the main attraction is the exquisite Teruel ham, which has a special guarantee of quality and origin. There is a national fair.

Tourist Informacion Office: C/ Tomás Nougués, 1. Tel. 978 60 22 79