Things to Do in Teruel

Teruel is popularly known as the City of Love in Spain thanks to the tragic legend of the Lovers. It’s the least populated provincial capital in the country, yet it completely steals your heart with its stunning Mudéjar architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting at over 900 metres above sea level, the city enjoyed its own golden age in the Middle Ages, when Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures lived side by side.

Among the must-see sights in Teruel, you simply can’t miss the Mudéjar towers, the cathedral, Plaza del Torico and the Mausoleo de los Amantes. Wandering through its streets means admiring early 20th-century modernist buildings and enjoying delicious local food, with dishes such as ternasco de Aragón (roast lamb), migas turolenses, borrajas and the famous trenza mudéjar pastry.

If you’re wondering what to do in Teruel beyond learning about the Lovers, don’t miss Dinópolis, one of the city’s biggest attractions. Although you could see the main landmarks in half a day, I’d honestly recommend spending at least a full day here. If you have more time, you can extend your trip and visit nearby villages such as Albarracín.

1. Plaza del Torico

Located in the heart of Teruel’s old town, the Plaza del Torico is one of the absolute must-see sights in Teruel. Although its official name is “Plaza de Carlos Castel”, almost everyone simply calls it Plaza del Torico.

Right in the centre you’ll spot a fountain topped with a tiny bronze statue: a bull measuring just 45 centimetres. It stands proudly on a seven-metre-high column. Even though it’s small, the Torico is one of the city’s most important and much-loved symbols.

According to legend, Teruel was founded right here. The story goes that a bull appeared beneath a star on this very spot, which is why the city was established here.

Around the square you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can eat in Teruel. Take a moment to look up and you’ll also notice several beautiful Modernist buildings, such as Casa Ferrán, Casa La Madrileña and Casa del Torico, easily recognised by its violet façade and decorative details.

2. Torre mudéjar de El Salvador

The Torre mudéjar de El Salvador is one of the most important landmarks and a highlight among the best things to do in Teruel. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 14th century. Its design is inspired by Muslim towers, and I’m sure you’ll be struck by its green and white ceramic decoration.

Attached to the tower is the iglesia de El Salvador, which you can visit before heading up. It was rebuilt in the 17th century after part of it collapsed and is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the province. Inside, don’t miss the main altarpiece and the Cristo del Salvador, a 13th-century carving known as the Cristo de las Tres Manos.

After exploring the church, it’s well worth climbing the tower. There are 119 steps, and inside you’ll find the Centro de Interpretación de la Arquitectura Mudéjar. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with lovely views over Teruel’s old town.

3. Torre mudéjar de San Martín

The torre de San Martín is another outstanding example of Mudéjar art and one of the top things to do in Teruel. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, it was built between 1315 and 1316 following the model of Muslim towers from that period.

Like me, you’ll probably be amazed by its exterior decoration. Look out for the patterned brickwork, eight-pointed stars, decorative arches and the green-and-white glazed ceramics that sparkle beautifully in the sunlight.

The tower is connected to the iglesia de San Martín, built in the 17th century. Standing 40 metres tall, this gate-tower dominates the slope of the Andaquilla, a spot closely linked to the famous legend of the Lovers of Teruel.

4. Catedral de Santa María de Mediavilla

The catedral de Santa María de Mediavilla is another of the essential things to do in Teruel. Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its origins date back to the 12th century, when it was first built in Romanesque style. Over time, Gothic and especially Mudéjar elements were added.

The cathedral’s greatest treasure is its spectacular painted wooden ceiling, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Mudéjar art”. Just look up and you’ll see figures and scenes that show what life was like in the Middle Ages.

If you really want to make the most of your visit, I’d recommend booking a guided tour. You’ll be able to admire the ceiling up close, as well as the Renaissance octagonal dome, the main altarpiece and the choir stalls, while an expert guide explains the fascinating history. Entry costs around €6 and is absolutely worth it.

5. Torre mudéjar de San Pedro e iglesia de San Pedro

The iglesia de San Pedro is another of the unmissable things to do in Teruel. Built in the 14th century on top of an earlier Romanesque church and combining Gothic and Mudéjar styles, it reflects the artistic splendour the city enjoyed in the Middle Ages.

On the outside, its Gothic-Mudéjar apse stands out, decorated with glazed ceramics and distinctive arches. Inside, you’ll find a single nave with side chapels and a ribbed vault ceiling.

One of its main highlights is the 13th-century gate-tower, the oldest of Teruel’s Mudéjar towers. At its base there’s a covered passageway with a vaulted ceiling, and if you choose the full visit, you can climb the 74 spiral steps up to the bell tower. From the top, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city’s other Mudéjar towers.

Next to the church you’ll also find the claustro mudéjar de San Pedro, one of the few surviving Mudéjar cloisters in Aragón.

6. Mausoleo de los Amantes de Teruel

Located inside the iglesia de San Pedro, the most famous place to visit and one of the top things to do in Teruel is the Museo de los Amantes. This is where Juan Diego de Marcilla and Isabel de Segura rest, the tragic protagonists of one of Spain’s best-known love stories.

The striking white sculptures you’ll see were created by Juan de Ávalos. They show the two lovers with their hands almost touching, symbolising an eternal love that not even death could separate.

Before starting your visit, I’d suggest watching the introductory video. It explains the story of the Lovers, whose remains were discovered in 1555, and how their legend has inspired many artists and writers. One of them was Antonio Muñoz Degrain, who painted a famous work now displayed in the Museo del Prado.

Although entry isn’t free, your ticket includes much more than just the mausoleum. You’ll also be able to visit the iglesia de San Pedro, its Mudéjar tower, the cloister, the apse, the garden and the andito (an elevated gallery). With the help of a guide, you’ll better understand why Teruel is known as the city of love.

7. Escalinata del Óvalo

The escalinata del Óvalo connects the train station with Teruel’s old town, bridging a 17-metre height difference. It was designed by engineer José Torán and built between 1920 and 1921 in Neo-Mudéjar style.

There are 140 steps divided into two sections: first a straight flight halfway up, then two curved staircases leading to the paseo del Óvalo. If you have reduced mobility, there are lifts available too. As well as being practical, the staircase symbolises the link between the medieval city and the modern one.

Before you leave, take a look at the mural dedicated to the Lovers of Teruel, created by Aniceto Marinas. It depicts the famous kissing scene. Just above it, you’ll see Teruel’s coat of arms, reinforcing the city’s historic identity.

8. Aljibes medievales

Underground and just a few steps from Plaza del Torico, you’ll find the aljibes medievales, one of the most unusual things to do in Teruel. Here you can explore a water storage system built in the late 14th century, used to supply the population during sieges or periods of drought.

As you head down the stairs, you’ll reach two large connected tanks, covered with brick vaulted ceilings and remarkably well preserved. Walking through these passages, it’s impressive to think that more than six centuries ago they were essential for the survival of the walled city.

Today, the space houses the Centro de Interpretación del Agua, where you can learn how this vital resource was managed in the Middle Ages. It’s a short visit, but a fascinating one that helps you understand Teruel’s history from a different perspective.

9. Acueducto de los Arcos

The acueducto de los Arcos, also known as the Traída de las Aguas de Teruel, is one of the most important Renaissance engineering works in Spain. It was built in the 16th century by the French engineer Pierres Vedel. Thanks to this impressive structure, water was brought into the city from the spring at Peña del Macho, four kilometres away.

To see it up close, you’ll need to pass through the portal de la Traición, an old city gate that leads directly to its base. The aqueduct has two levels: six arches above and two much larger arches below. You can’t walk along the top, but you can stroll underneath and admire how it connects with the medieval walls.

Although it isn’t as famous as the aqueduct of Segovia, it’s considered one of the true gems of Renaissance engineering in Spain. Without a doubt, it’s another of the essential things to do in Teruel.

10. Murallas de Teruel

Another of the essential things to do in Teruel is exploring the medieval city walls. These fortifications protected the city during turbulent times, including the War of the Two Peters, the Carlist Wars and the Battle of Teruel during the Spanish Civil War.

Entry costs around €3 and also includes access to the medieval cisterns. During the visit, you can walk along a restored 50-metre stretch leading to the Torre de la Bombardera. From the top, you’ll enjoy great views over the old town and the acueducto de los Arcos.

Along the way, you’ll find information panels explaining how the city was defended in the past. There’s also a small exhibition featuring replicas of medieval weapons and siege machines, such as catapults and assault towers.

Map of Places to Visit in Teruel

In Conclusion

All in all, travelling to Teruel as a couple, taking photos with the Lovers, visiting Dinópolis or climbing its towers is an experience I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a lovely day trip in Aragón.

Since everything is within easy walking distance of the historic centre, Teruel feels almost like an open-air museum. You can even see sculptures of the Lovers of Teruel outside the museum itself. Many decorative details, such as the tower tiles or the cathedral’s ornamentation, can also be admired from the outside.

And if you’re wondering where to eat in Teruel, most restaurants are located around Plaza del Torico and at the top of the Escalinata del Óvalo. There’s plenty of choice and prices are generally very reasonable.