Teruel

General information

Teruel is in the Aragon community. It is the capital of this community and the capital of Mudejar art. It is situated at the confluence between the Guadalaviar and Alfambra rivers. There are 34.240 inhabitants. Its climate is caracterize by colf winters and hot and dry summers.

History

In 1171, the king Alfonso II decide to found a city in Teruel to attract colons. Teruel becomes then the new capital of the border. The annexion of Valencia with the Aragon monarchy estate in 1238 triggers an economic growth with a strong demographic growth. Neither the Independence war nor the Carlist war could destroy the city and since 1833, Teruel is the capital of the province. In 1858, the actual Bronze Torico is built in Plaza Mayor. From 1900 to 1920, the population grows slightly but not enough to drop the historic part of the city. In 1901, the railway is created which will revolutionize the small industries. To connect the historic part to the station, José Toran creates La Escalinata in 1920. In 1929, the viaduct is inaugurated, work of Fernando Hué. It the second highest in Europe and it connects the historic part to the Valencia way.

Monuments of Teruel

Teruel is famous for its Mudejar art:

Santa Maria de Mediavilla Cathedral: The first tower of the city is in this cathedral. Its decoration is one of the most significate element: arcs, ceramics and stained glasses. You should observe too the roofing, the cupula, the south gate and the altarpiece.

Mudejar Towers:

San Martín (1315-16):It is formed by two towers and between them there is a stair to the bell tower. The interior tower counts three superimposed rooms and the exterior one deals with the decoration.

El Salvador: It is said to have been built just after San Martin. It was renovated several times which give it back its original appearance.

San Pedro Tower (1319-1392): Its structure and its decoration are similar with the cathedral. It is composed of one nave with lateral chapels. The mudejar cloister was renovated as well as the church in 1901.

Merced Tower: everything is from the mudejar art. The first floor is a square, the 2nd and the 3rd are octagonal, from baroque style.

Franciscanos Church:It is one of the most important gothic monument of the province. Its construction begins in 1392. Interesting sights: nave, windows and gates.

The Big Tower (Torreon) of Ambeles: It is a bastion of chair factory built between 1475 and 1525. It takes part of the Teruel city walls, certainly one of the most singular element due to its star form.

Provincial Museum: you will discover collection of archeology and ethnology. In the 1st floor, you will find the ceramics of Teruel, in the 2dn floor, you will observe the archeologic materials from the Iron Age. In the 3rd and 4th floor, it deals with roman and medieval materials.

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