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29 marzo 2024

Discover the best of Mudejar Art in Teruel

If you like Mudejar art, and you want to know the best of it in the area of Teruel, we invite you to take this tour with us. You will be more than enchanted with the Mudejar beauty that characterizes this city located in the south of Aragon.

Historical, artistic and representative, this is how the Mudejar style is recognized in Teruel. Many are the people who visit this city, just to know the architectural works elaborated by Mudejars. Undoubtedly, in Teruel there are incredible examples of this style.

The arrival of Mudejar art in Teruel

Mudejar art in Teruel is an architectural style that has represented and characterized this city for many years.

It all begins at the time of the reconquest, when many Muslims continued to live in the Spanish territory, under certain conditions. From then on they began to be called “Mudejar”. Whose term derives from the Arabic word “mudaʒʒan” which means: “he who has been allowed to stay”.

A large part of these Muslims were engaged in construction and craftsmanship. Therefore, they were creating architectural works, which were called Mudejar art.

This architectural style of medieval Aragon is a mixture of Christian artistic currents, such as Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance, and Islamic artistic influence. In addition, it is characterized by the use of wood, brick, ceramics, plaster, and by the particularity of its decorative themes.

The best Mudejar works in Teruel

Around the region of Aragon there is a great variety of Mudejar works. However, it is no secret that the examples found in Teruel are quite peculiar and fully represent this city.

Below we will give you a tour of the most recognized and visited Mudejar monuments in Teruel.

Cathedral of Santa María

The cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla is an iconic Mudejar space in Teruel; and to think that in order to obtain the structure and the name “cathedral” it had to go through two previous construction processes.

It began as a conventional Romanesque church at the end of the 12th century. As the city became more renowned, in the 14th century, it became a collegiate church. Two centuries later, it became the Mudejar cathedral that is known today.

It is made up of 3 bodies and an octagonal top. The dome is also of this shape and has windows with Renaissance motifs. Inside you can see an extensive decoration that resembles an encyclopedia of the medieval era and a unique Mudejar ceiling.

Cathedral of Santa María
Church of San Pedro

When you visit the church of San Pedro you will find a single building, created in the 14th century. It is known as the only example found in Teruel that in its entire architecture has a Mudejar style.

From the moment you arrive at the place, you can observe the glazed ceramics and the mixtilinear arches. As you enter you will see its incredible polygonal apse and the striking and important stained glass windows with paintings and murals of religious figures.

This is considered one of the most visited spaces in the city. Part of its popularity is due to the fact that it has a chapel attached to it, where the mausoleum of the lovers of Teruel is located. A space where you can learn about a famous legend of the place, full of love and suffering.

Outside view of the Church of San Pedro. Teruel
Church of San Pedro. Teruel Foto: www.aragonmudejar.com
The tower of San Martin

This tower can be found next to the Church of San Martin de Teruel. It was built in the 14th century and has a combination of baroque and mudejar style. It has a square floor plan and has a small inclination that dates from the time of its construction.

On the outside you can see various ceramic pieces of a small size, which form incredible and beautiful designs. The colors that stand out in this tower are green and white and it has zigzag-shaped sides that give a unique touch to this structure.

Besides that, it has an exterior tower made of bricks, and an interior one, made of masonry. Between them there are stairs that will take you directly to the bell tower.

The tower of San Martin. Teruel.
The tower of San Martin. Teruel. Foto: Aragon Mudejar
Tower of the church of San Salvador

It is considered the latest tower to be built in the medieval Mudejar style. Its three bodies of height have an Almohad minaret structure. That is to say, an internal tower and an external one that is connected by a staircase.

When you see it you will feel that you are looking at the tower of San Martin, since these two have great similarity. However, it could be said that the tower of the savior has more pieces of smaller format.

Its green and white ceramic pieces form extraordinary designs. Where you can see: rhomboids, plates, stars, squares, among other beautiful figures.

Tower of the church of San Salvador
Tower of the church of San Salvador

The Mudejar art of Teruel as a World Heritage Site

In November 1986 the city of Teruel was filled with joy. On that date, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared the Mudejar art of Teruel a World Heritage Site.

This event marked a before and after for Teruel. Considering that it was the first city in Aragon to receive such prestigious recognition.

Unesco recognized that the Mudejar art of this territory had unique and representative characteristics worldwide. Therefore, it should be given a universal value.

To visit this city at the time when this declaration is commemorated is to enjoy this space to the fullest. The celebration lasts for several days and there are events and tourist days that you can not miss.

If you are in Aragon do not forget to visit Teruel, the Mudejar city.

If you are looking for a tourist place in Aragon full of history, art and beauty, then don’t miss Teruel. We are sure you will love this city of Mudejar art. In addition, you will be able to know part of the extensive history that identifies our country.

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