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Spotlight on Teruel: City of Lovers
February is the month of love and, with romance in the air, we thought we’d share one of Spain’s most romantic destinations (which can be enjoyed year-round!)
The Lovers of Teruel
This charming Aragonese town is home to a medieval legend of two tragic star-crossed lovers whose love story has been retold for centuries and who remain united even in death. It is said that the two young lovers, Diego and Isabel, both hailed from wealthy families and were childhood friends but by the time the pair were of age to marry, Diego’s family had fallen on hard times. It was agreed Diego must leave Teruel and make his fortune in the Crusades and after five years he would return to marry Isabel. Five-years-to-the-day and, with no news from Diego, Isabel was forced to marry a nobleman from a neighbouring town but, that very same evening, Diego returned with his riches restored. Upon learning of Isabel’s marriage Diego died of a broken heart, his funeral was held the next day and Isabel attended, wearing her wedding dress, to place one last kiss on her dear, departed lover. As she did so, Isabel collapsed, dead in the arms of her true love. The pair were buried in the local church and, over the years, visitors from across the country have visited Teruel to pay tribute to the pair. Today you can visit the tombs, upon which lie two marble figures, joined in hand, for eternity.
The love story has been passed down by many generations and immortalised in literature, film and opera. Thanks to this tragic love story, Teruel is one of Europe’s ‘Europe in love’ network, a selection of cities across the continent attached to famous love stories.
To celebrate this history, each year in February Teruel holds a fiesta, the ‘Bodas de Isabel Segura’, where the town’s streets come to life with medieval market stalls, reenactments of the couple’s story and concerts are held. In 2025 the festival will take place between 20th and 23rd February.
The town
The beauty of Teruel’s tragic legend is matched only by the beauty of the town itself. Like many towns in Aragon, Teruel has seen a swathe of cultures come and go, and from the 8th century was a Moorish stronghold. As such, much of the typical Mudéjar architecture remains such as majestic mosaic towers that can be found at many of Teruel’s key churches such as the Cathedral of Santa María, the Church of San Salvador and the Church of San Pedro (where the town’s famous lovers rest in peace). One of the most impressive monuments is the ‘Escalinata de Óvalo’, the elaborate staircase that welcomes visitors travelling by train, it is reminiscent of Rome’s famous ‘Spanish Steps’ but perhaps even more ornate with its use of colourful mosaic tiles surrounding a marble scene.
In the heart of the old town is the Plaza del Torico, a square surrounded by medieval and Rococo buildings overlooking the bull statue in the centre, here you can relax in a number of cafes and restaurants as you soak up the atmosphere. Teruel is also just a short drive from Albarracín which was the capital of the Moorish Taifa in its day and declared a Monumento National in the 60s. It is home to some of the world’s best preserved Mudéjar architecture and we advise visiting the town at dusk to enjoy it in all its magical glory.
Parador de Teruel
On the outskirts of Teruel sits its Parador, a Mudéjar-inspired former palace with picturesque surroundings. The Paradors beautiful arched doorways lead you into comfortable, classic interiors. Rooms are spacious and bright, with muted colours and you can enjoy the Parador’s well-manicured gardens and seasonal outdoor pool. This is the perfect, peaceful spot for a romantic getaway.
Photo credits:
Lovers of Teruel: By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0,
Teruel at Night: Photo by Jesús Esteban San José: Pexels
Teruel Tower: Image by earthdweller from Pixabay
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