Road Trip 2024 day 13 Albarracin to Teruel 332km
After last nights stay in Lleida and thinking we would come straight home, but not wanting to cut our holiday short by a day and with such a disappointing end, we scoured the booking sites for somewhere to stay tonight and found what looked suitable in Terul, but before going there we are going to visit a place that has been on my list for quite a few years, Albarracin, so its on with the journey for what will be out last nights stay before heading back to Benidorm.
A pretty uneventful journey to Albarracin with just the odd coffee stop along the way, we first found out where our accommodation was situated and headed to explore Albarracin, which was about 30 km away.
Albarracín, is often regarded as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, and is a small medieval town in the province of Teruel, within the autonomous community of Aragón. Nestled in the Sierra de Albarracín mountains, this enchanting town captivates visitors with its well-preserved historical architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a destination that feels frozen in time, offering a unique glimpse into Spain’s past.
Albarracín was an important strategic location during the medieval period:
Islamic Influence: The town was part of the Taifa of Albarracín during the Moorish rule in Spain.
Christian Reconquest: It became a key defensive stronghold following its capture by Christian forces in the 12th century.
The town’s architecture reflects this blend of cultures, with Moorish fortifications and Christian influences coexisting harmoniously.
Road Trip 2024 day 13
The Old Town - This is the area that everyone, including us visits and it is a labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets lined with traditional houses many with pinkish-hued facades, wooden balconies and ornate iron details.
The streets are irregular, with small plazas and archways, creating a magical, medieval feel.
No cars are allowed in the historic center, which is why it never comes up when we are searching for accommodation, as one of the few requirements we have is, that where ever we stay must have parking facilities, however this does make this area perfect for exploring on foot, and there are photogenic corners and hidden alleyways at every turn.
Albarracin Walls (Las Murallas de Albarracin) - These dramatic medieval wall that date back to the 10th century, rise steeply from the hills that surround the town.
Casa Jarreta Azagra - This 17th century building is the only blue house in the old city, and is available to stay as the interior has been turned into a modern 3 bedroom accommodation, this is another well photographed house here.
Alcazar of Albarracin - this is a Moorish fortress built in the 10th century and is perched high on a hill for defence reasons.
Cathedral of Albarracin (Catedral del Salvador) - This is a 16th century cathedral with a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles and the bell tower dominates the towns skyline.
The cathedral is part of the Episcopal Palace which houses a small museum showcasing religious art.
Julianeta House - A historic house with a quirky, distinctive, irregular shape with walls that appear to lean inward, following the natural contours of the narrow street it stands on. This is one of the towns most famous and certainly most photographed buildings.
The town’s main square, known as the known as the Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by arcaded buildings and offers stunning views of the Guadalaviar River below.
A prominent feature of the square, is the Ayuntamiento (town hall) this is a traditional 16th-century building with an arcaded façade.
The Plaza Mayor is surrounded by historic buildings with stone walls, wooden balconies, and terracotta roofs. Many of these buildings have been preserved in their original medieval style.
Albarracín is famous for its traditional craftsmanship, including wrought ironwork and wooden furniture, locally made textiles and ceramics are also popular souvenirs, but on our visit there was only one shop open, luckily I was able to buy a fridge magnet for my collection, which has grown vastly during this road trip.
Road Trip 2024 day 13
Albarracín is a real gem in Spain, offering a mix of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and cultural richness that makes it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking something truly unique.
The surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring nature, not that we did any of that, but the autumnal colours were spectacular.
Teruel, - A city in Aragón, Spain, is famous for its Mudejar architecture, medieval charm, and rich cultural history. It is often referred to as the "City of Mudejar" Mudejar is a blend of Islamic and Christian architecture) Teruel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has to be one of Spain's most underrated cities as it is a real hidden gem with unique architecture, relaxing squares and a lovely medieval centre.
Finding a central car park was easy and we found ourselves just a couple minutes walk from the Plaza del Torico which is the main square in Teruel, a bustling and historic focal point of the city. It's named after its center-piece, the Torico Fountain, which features a small bronze bull ("torico" means "little bull") perched atop a tall column. Despite its modest size, the bull is a beloved symbol of the city.
This square is surrounded by early 20th-century Modernist buildings, adding a unique charm to the historic setting. The main buildings are Casa de la Madrileña (the blue building in the photo above), and Casa Ferrán. These houses feature decorative ironwork balconies, intricate façades, and vibrant colours.
The square is also lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking up the atmosphere and even the rubbish bins are smartly dressed here in Teruel.
The square serves as a gateway to many of Teruel's main attractions, including the nearby San Pedro Church, Mudejar towers, and the Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla.
Teruel Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Mediavilla): Known for its exquisite Mudejar ceiling, the cathedral is an architectural highlight.
Torre de El Salvador: An iconic example of Mudejar art, this tower offers panoramic views of the city and showcases intricate Islamic-inspired patterns.
Its exterior is adorned with intricate brick patterns and ceramic tiles, creating geometric motifs typical of Islamic art. These patterns symbolize infinity and spirituality.
The tower was built in the 14th century as a bell tower and watchtower for the adjacent Church of El Salvador.
Road Trip 2024 day 13
Torre de San Martín: Another UNESCO-listed masterpiece, this tower features stunning brickwork and ceramic details. The tower was constructed in the 14th century, around 1316, as a bell tower for the Church of San Martín.
The Torre de San Martín follows the typical Mudejar design of a square tower with two concentric walls. The staircase is housed between these walls. The tower’s facade features intricate geometric patterns made of brickwork and glazed ceramic tiles. The motifs include diamonds, zigzags, and interlaced arches, symbols commonly found in Islamic art. Windows: Its windows are framed by pointed arches, adding to the overall elegance of the design.
Escalinata del Óvalo (Oval Staircase) A monumental staircase built between 1920 and 1921 by architect José Torán de la Rad, blending neo-Mudejar style with practicality, it was designed to solve a practical problem, linking the railway station at the base of the hill with the historic city center at the top.
The staircase has 120 steps and features multiple levels and terraces. and is flanked by elaborate balustrades and decorated with reliefs, arches, and ceramic tiles.
The fountain here is an elegant and integral part of the staircase, enhancing its charm and historical ambiance and makes a great spot for photographers.
The Town Hall of Teruel is not just an architectural gem but also a symbol of the city's civic heritage and cultural vitality. Its historical charm, combined with its role as a living institution, makes it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Teruel.
Aqueduct of Los Arcos - This is is a magnificent example of Renaissance engineering and is one of the most significant historic landmarks in the city. The aqueduct was constructed between 1537 and 1558 under the direction of French architect Pierres Vedel. Its purpose was to address the city's growing demand for water and to replace the older water supply system. It also served as a bridge for pedestrians.
The aqueduct stretches for approximately 150 meters and reaches a height of about 25 meters at its tallest point.
If you love seeing something different around every corner then Tereul is definitely a place you need to visit and we will certainly be returning on a future road trip, as we certainly did not see everything in this wonderful city on just a short visit.
Road trip 2024 night 13 accommodation - Hostal el secreto, Situated 4km from Tereul 48.60 with FREE parking.
We had a slight problem getting into this accommodation, although we had provided our arrival time when we arrived there was a note on the door asking us to phone the owner to gain access, we tried this and the phone was put down on us, tried again and were told our key was waiting for us in the bar/cafe next door, why this instruction was not just placed on the note on the door we don't know, but that would have made much more sense.
Although this hostal was situated in a quite busy industrial area, the whole building was very clean, and our room very spacious, with full bathroom a desk with 2 chairs which is unusual and comfy beds and even heating which would necessary in this area during the winter months.
The cafe next door was a great addition and was very popular, we popped downstairs for a drink as it was our last night and Derek would not be driving, we also had breakfast here before leaving on the final leg of this years road trip, back to Benidorm.
Never be afraid to stay in hostals, as they are just as good as many hotels we have stayed in, they just don't generally offer the same amount of services ie lifts, pools etc, just don't get them mixed up with a HOSTEL which are more geared to the younger generation with shared bunk rooms and toilets. At our age one of our must requirements wherever we book is a private bathroom.
This was a pleasant last nights stay and would make a great base to explore the area more if we were ever back in this area.
Tomorrow it is time to head home to Benidorm.