Let´s check the most interesting things to see in Teruel. Have you ever heard the romantic story of Diego and Isabel( Spanish Romeo and Juliette)? Do you like vibrant Mudéjar architecture? Or are you into the archaeological finds and the dinosaurs? – No matter which one here is your case, there’s one city in Spain you simply need to visit. Take a hint: it is famous for its motto Teruel Exists.
Visiting Teruel
Teruel Exists
Years ago the motto “Teruel exists” (Spanish: “Teruel existe”) has broken national news media. The social campaign aimed to bring attention to the citizens of the Teruel province, those who also pay taxes, and yet so little is done for them by the Spanish government in terms of roads, investments, etc.
A lot of families in past years have abandoned the province in search of a better life, in particular, jobs. It is one of these places in the heart of Spain with hot days and cold nights. Moreover, in summer it is impossible to stay in the sun. Teruel receives mostly national tourists, which is such a shame, cause the city is truly unique.
Where is Teruel?
Together with Huesca and Zaragoza, Teruel forms the Spanish autonomous community of Aragon. The city of Teruel can be visited as a day trip from Valencia, Castellon, or Zaragoza. However, I´d recommend you take time to explore the whole region, as there are so many beautiful medieval villages in Teruel.
Sightseeing in Teruel
Exploring the lesser-known cities at any destination is one of my favorite things about traveling. Teruel is a perfect match for you if you want to dive into Spanish history while avoiding the crowds. Plus there are quite a few interesting things to see in Teruel that have no equivalent in the rest of the country.
Also read: The Most Beautiful Cathedrals in Spain
After you check the main square of Teruel Plaza del Torico, there are three things to see in Teruel you can’t miss: Mudejar architecture, Lovers of Teruel, and Dinopolis. First two – you can see all in one day, but if you´d like to add Dinopolis to your travel plan, you´d need at least another day.
Top things to do in Teruel
1. Mudejar Architecture
Mudejar Architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the top national landmarks in Spain. If you ever visited Andalusia an the South of Spain you might know what I’m talking about. One of the most fairytale places in Spain and an iconic Game of Thrones filming location, the Real Alcazar of Seville, is one of the better-known Mudejar art objects. The lively geometry of decorations there, as well as Alcazar´s Devine gardens, literally teleport you to the pages of One Thousand and One Night.
Also read: Medieval Fairs in Spain
Mudejar Architecture of Teruel isn’t any less impressive. It was honestly one of my favorite things to see in Teruel.
The most outstanding Mudejar objects in the city are The Cathedral of Teruel, San Pedro Church, Escalinata Neomudejar, and the Towers of San Pedro, San Miguel, and Salvador.
Do you know why is it called Mudejar? Term “Mudejar” comes from Arabic “mudajjan” and means “allowed to stay”. After the Christian “Reconquista”/ Reconquest of the Spanish peninsula in 718, a lot of Muslim population stayed. This led to a new unique (partly Gothic, partly Islamic) style of art/decoration influenced by their taste and workmanship.



2.Diego and Isabel – The Spanish “Romeo and Juliet”
You can’t find Teruel on the lists of most romantic travel experiences around the world or most romantic cities to explore with your loved ones. But it really belongs there. Mausoleum of the Amantes de Teruel is your ultimate proof. If you’re a fan of Spain you just can´t ignore one of the fascinating Spanish legends – the story of the Lovers of Teruel. Visiting the tomb and learning more about the Spanish Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular things to see in Teruel.
Also read: The Most Romantic Travel Experiences Around the World
The story of Amantes de Teruel/ Lovers of Teruel has inspired Spanish artists and poets since the XIII century. Two tragic deaths united by one eternal love story, isn’t it poetic?
The Story of Lovers of Teruel
According to the legend, Diego and Isabel were in love since their childhood, but the girl’s wealthy family didn’t want her to marry someone out of their social class. However, they gave Diego 5 years to build a fortune, so he left the city. In 5 years he returned rich, but Isabel’s family had already arranged her marriage to another man.
Diego didn’t want to believe that Isabel was married to someone else, so he went to see her and asked for a kiss. She refused, cause now she belonged to another man. This is why, if you check the picture of the monument, you’ll notice that their hands aim to hold but don’t actually touch as the sign of this kiss she refused to give him. The next day Diego died and during his funeral ceremony Isabel passed away by his side. The legend claims both died for love.

3.Dinopolis
If you’re traveling with kids, you just can’t miss Dinopolis – a large thematic space dedicated to the world of dinosaurs and paleontology. The main exposition is located in Teruel, but there are also several other paleontological areas nearby (you´ll need to drive around to visit them all). Despite the fact that in Dinopolis they have a lot of activities for kids, if you’re a history geek – this place is your way too.
Dinopolis tends to be closed on weekdays during the winter months. Check their calendar and opening hours before visiting here. It is definitely one of the coolest things to see in Teruel with kids. You can get a Dinobaby entrance for kids from 0 to 3 years old, which is free. For adults, you have a few options – Dinopolis park entrance only (29 euros) or Dinopilist Park+ More sites (31 euros). For kids from 4 to 11 and seniors (60 years old and up), you´ll pay 23 euros and 25 euros respectively.
I recommend you check the details here on the additional sites and activities, besides the Dinopolis park itself. They might be included or not into your entrance ticket. Because if your kids love dinosaurs and you plan to see it all – you really need to buy the full ticket from the beginning. Go for Dinopolis Park and More sites (Inhóspitak + Legendark + Región Ambarina + Bosque Pétreo + Mar Nummus + Valcaria + Titania) entrance ticket. Otherwise, each of these additional sites would cost you separately from 4 to 5 euros.

What to buy
After you´re done with all of the main things to see in Teruel, near the central square of Teruel Plaza del Torico, you’ll find lots of shops with local specialties and artisan products. Typical souvenirs to bring from Teruel – a pastry Trenza Mudejar de Teruel and Jamon de Teruel.

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This sounds like an amazing place to visit! I loved the mudejar architecture in Sevilla
I so loved the Mudejar architecture in Sevilla as well! If traveling to Teruel one day, don’t miss Albarracín – it is also pretty amazing <3
Teruel looks incredible. That architecture looks wonderful and yet I have never heard of it. Another reason to return to Spain. Thanks for sharing! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, David! I´ve lived 200km from it during 4 years and no one ever mentioned it too me!It´s a great place to visit!
I have to first say that your outfit looks amazing, especially with all the beautiful scenery behind you! But this place looks beautiful, I enjoyed the story of the Lovers of Teruel, These places would def be something I’d be interested in visiting some time!
Thank you, Yvonne!
Such an insightful wee guide!! It looks tremendous here!
I have never heard of this place, but you are right. We certainly should! I’ll be sure not to miss this gorgeous on my next trip to Spain. Thanks for sharing with #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by, Lyn!
I have heard of Teruel but never been. Kind of funny because I know a lot of people in Puerto Rico with Teruel as their last name. Anyway, the town looks so lovely. That architecture is so intricate. Would love to stay an extended period of time in Spain.
Thank you, Ruth! There also are a lot of people across Spain with roots from Teruel, not sure whether I´ve heard it as a last name though! So interesting to know it´s popular in Puerto Rico!
What a beautiful post, Ana. I’m ashamed to confess that I’ve never heard about Teruel so far, but not this great place is definitely high up on my list. It looks absolutely terrific.
Thanks so much, Anda! Glad you´ve enjoyed it!
I have not heard of Teruel. It looks amazing, the architecture is so impressive. I love the story of the Spanish Romeo and Juliet – its so sweet yet so sad and the monument is so moving. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by, Anisa!
The architecture looks amazing… Sounds like a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for your comment, Ahila!
Wow the story about the Lovers of Teurel is sad but romantic! The town looks so beautiful! I’d love to check it out! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Lolo! I loved the story too <3
I was in Spain in August. I didn’t go here though. I wish I had, it looks lovely.
Thanks, Laura! Spain has so many hidden gems…
Teruel is gorgeous! I don’t know how they can be forgotten, with such gorgeous architecture and sights. But, I’ve never heard of it until now, so thank you for sharing!
Thanks for your comment, Liz! Glad you´ve liked Teruel, it´s such a great place to visit.
This is someplace I’ve never heard of. Good job bringing it to people’s attention with your post! What a lovely town. And your outfit looks like the perfect touring / fashion way to dress!
This is absolutely stunning !! Love your pics so much !
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Oh, this place looks amazing. I want to go there))
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I’ve been living in Spain for over three years now and I haven’t been to Teruel. This post has inspired me to plan a trip. I live only a few hours from Zaragoza, so it’d be a good weekend trip to make.
I’m planning to visit Spain this summer and really want to check out Teruel after reading this!e
I love the Mudéjar architecture, but it is that story that really stole my heart. Their hands not touching, and the lack of a kiss, it’s so tragic. I have spent a fair amount to of time in Spain, but never in Teruel. (Zaragosa was our closest.)
Really happy that I found your blog about Teurel. I´m now planing Our trip to Spain and we want to see all Teurel offer us.
Thanks for your comment, Ingela! Hope you enjoy your trip to Teruel – it´s such an interesting region to explore!
My nest trip is surely Spain am so curious about visiting the teruel . Thank you so much for giving the new destination am so happy to find this blog post . Thank you so much
Thanks for your comment, hope you’ll enjoy your trip! Teruel is one of my favorites in Spain: it is full of hidden gems and there are no tourists on the radar!