Spain is culture

The origin of this art goes back to the Middle Ages, during the Christian Re-conquest in Aragón. The Mudejar people were Muslims who kept their religion and culture while coexisting with Christians. The towns we will visit are a proof of this because they keep the special Mudejar way of understanding architecture and its decorations. A view inspired by the artistic models of Al-Andalus.

Our route starts in the town of Tarazona (Zaragoza) to visit its cathedral and the Church of Santa Magdalena. Despite being Gothic, the cathedral was renovated in the 14th century and has numerous Mudejar elements, such as the façade, the towers or the dome, for example. We will find the town of Borja 20 minutes away by car. It is known for its excellent wine, but it also has two good Mudejar examples: the former collegiate church of Santa María, and the cloister church of La Concepción.

The route continues along the Ebro River, towards Zaragoza. Along the way we will encounter the Mudejar towers of the churches in the towns of Tauste (Santa María and San Antón), Alagón (San Pedro Apóstol) and Utebo (Santa María). We arrive in Zaragoza, which is the capital of Aragón and has three of the main buildings with Mudejar architecture: the Aljafería Palace, La Seo Cathedral and the Church of San Pablo. They have all been designated World Heritage sites.
The route continues towards the town of Calatayud. To get there we cross the Jalón Valley towards the south. On the way we will visit towns such as Illueca (with the Palace of the Lunas, and the Church of San Juan Bautista) and Tobed (with the Church of Santa María). Finally, in Calatayud we find the collegiate church of Santa María, where the apse, cloister and tower have also been awarded the World Heritage designation.
In just under 20 minutes by car we can get to Cervera de la Cañada, with the Parish Church of Santa Tecla, and the town of Belmonte de Gracián, with the Church of San Miguel.

If we continue the route along the valley of the Jiloca River, we will get to the walled town of Daroca. Its most relevant constructions are the churches of Santo Domingo de Silos and San Juan de la Cuesta, and the Palace of the Lunas. The journey continues south and provides the chance to discover the Gallocanta Lake. It is a good choice, especially in autumn and spring, because a large colony of cranes migrates there.

Teruel will be the last stop on our journey. The city represents the greatest splendour of Mudejar in Aragón. We will visit up to four buildings that have the World Heritage designation. We are talking about Santa María de Mediavilla Cathedral and the churches of San Pedro, San Martín and El Salvador.

When to go on the route
You can go on the route any time of the year, although the best times are in spring and autumn. It can also be covered in two days so it is perfect for a weekend. However, the region offers many possibilities for you to stay up to a week. That way you will be able to enjoy the natural spaces, rich heritage and delicious cuisine, in which wines and Teruel ham stand out.
 

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