Teruel

About

While the area has been settled since pre-history, Teruel proper didn’t get its start until 1171, when Alfonso II founded the city. Within a few centuries, it became a fortified border town, at the edge of the Muslim kingdom of Valencia, which strongly influenced the Christian city. This cultural melding culminated in the UNESCO listed, 12th century Cathedral, which features outstanding ceramic decorations on its square tower. Inside, the cathedral’s richly decorated Mudejar coffered ceiling is one of the most important in the country. Also on the UNESCO list is the tower of San Salvador, with its brick façade, double set of arches and elaborate tiled decoration. Also preserving the city’s Mudejar aesthetic are the tower of the 14th century church of San Martín, and San Pedro. Within San Pedro are 2 sarcophagi, which hold the mummified remains of Diego and Isabel, a pair of ill-fated 13th century lovers