Teruel, Alto Aragon

Teruel, Alto Aragon - Overview:

Teruel has won world recognition as the home of Spain's finest examples of Mudejar architecture. It was the birthplace of this type of architecture and the city's many Mudejar structures and monuments have been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. Teruel's highlights include the cathedral, with its beautiful bell towers, and the churches of San Martin, San Pedro and El Salvador.

Teruel, Alto Aragon - Sightseeing:

Teruel's old quarter is home to the wedge shaped Plaza del Torico, with a monument of a small bull - Teruel's emblem. Within walking distance lie the five remaining Mudejar towers. Most striking are those of San Salvador and San Martin, both dating back to the 12th century. Inside the Iglesia de San Pedro are the tombs of the famous Lovers of Teruel.

Teruel's Cathedral has more colourful Mudejar work, including a lantern dome of glazed tiles, and a tower completed in the 17th century. The dazzling coffered ceiling is painted with lively scenes of medieval life.

The Museo Provincial, one of Aragon's best museums, is housed in an elegant mansion. It has a large collection of ceramics, testament to Teruel's industry. North of the centre is the Acueducto de los Arcos, a 16th century aqueduct.

The lovers of Teruel statue depicts the story of an old legend from 13th century Teruel. A young couple, Diego de Marcilla and Isabel de Segura, fell in love and wished to marry. She came from a wealthy family, but he was poor, and her parents forbade the match. Diego was given five years in which to make his fortune and establish a name for himself. At the end of this time he returned to Teruel, laden with weath, only to find his bride-to-be already married to a local nobleman. Diego died of a broken heart and Isabel, full of despair at his death, died the following day.