Catalonian Towns steeped in History

 

Teruel

Away from the usual tourist spots, Spain is blessed with many beautiful secluded towns.

Teruel is a small quaint Spanish town that lies in the heart of the Mudejor region of Catalonia. The town is high up in the landscape of Aragon and a pleasant place to visit for a day out or part of two day tour including Alcaniz.

The medieval town has been described as a microcosm of where Eastern cultural values meet those of the cosmopolitan West. Over the centuries, Teruel has suffered from Spain's violent history. The Romans first conquered the town, civilising the Celtibercia Turba. In 1171, Alfonso II recaptured Teruel for Chrisitian Spain from the Moors. UNESCO awarded Teruel the status of Artistic Heritage of Humanity due to its abundance of intricate Moorish architecture.

Teruel enjoys many Moorish influences. The town is characterised by 4 distinct towers, belonging to different religious buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Of the towers, San Martin's is a must see. The last Mosque was in fact destroyed at the height of the Spanish Inqusition in 1502.

Places of Interest

Plaza del Torica

Teruel's centre is a sloping triangular shaped open area, the Plaza de Torica. The Plaza is surrounded by several art nouveau houses together with local cafes, offering morning drinks or evening aperitifs. In the square stands a tall column, topped by a statue of the Torico (Spanish for Ancient Bull) which surveys the surrounding scene. The bull is the town's traditional emblem. The base of the column lies in an fountain, where water pours from the mouths of small brass bull heads.

A hundred yards up the road are further examples traditional Spanish architecture, dominated by a baroque palace in unique Argonese style

The Cathedral

The Cathedral boasts a huge beamed ceiling, which displays a hand painted Mudejar interpretation of a medieval world, leaving the visitor in awe. The tower, completed in the 17th century, consists of a lantern dome of glazed tiles.

Provincial Museum

The Museo Provincial is one of Aragon's best museums and is to be found in an elegant mansion.It has a large collection of ceramics, testifying to Teruel's famous ceramic producing history.

Cuisine

In terms traditional Spanish delicacies, the Denominacion de Origin (Spanish ham) should be tasted at the several delicatessen next to the Plaza de Torico. A well known wine shop Rokelin is also worth a visit and if you are hungry, the restaurant La Menta is considered to be Teruel's best.

.This area of Spain is certainly enigmatic and romantic and one of the county's least visited, but most rewarding locations.

Accommodation

Parador de Teruel

The Spanish Government owns classically historical buildings throughout Spain, which have been converted into beautiful hotels These gorgeous hotels are littered throughout the country's most historical cities including Teruel. For more details click the following links:

List of Spanish Parador Hotels

Spanish Parador Hotels

Parador Hotel, Teruel

 

Links to Articles of Interest:

The Parador Hotel Chain, Spain
The Parador hotel chain prides itself on its high quality of service.The cuisine of each Parador is based on the local delicacies of the region in which it is set.The decor of a Parador typically includes tapestries, antiques, and paintings.
read more ... The Parador Spanish Hotel Chain

The Costa del Azahar
The Costa del Azahar literally means 'the orange blossom coast'. In simple terms, the region is lies approximately 140km south of Barcelona.
read more ... The Costa del Azahar

Castellon
If the thought of getting off the main spanish tourist route appeals to you, why not visit the interiror of Castellon.
read more ... Castellon

Alcaniz
Alcaniz is the capital of of Low Aragon. The town belongs to
the route of the tambour, named after a two week festival characterised
by drum playing.
read more ... Alcaniz