Teruel is a small town in eastern Spain and it is so hidden that its slogan is simply: “Teruel Exists.”
In the 21st century, tourists have largely overlooked the area, but local officials are now encouraging people to visit.
Despite being overlooked, Teruel is packed with history and many different attractions. The town is famous for its UNESCO-listed Mudéjar architecture, which is essentially a mix of Christian and Islamic designs dating back to the 12th century.
Some places worth visiting include the Mudéjar towers of Santa Maria Cathedral and the churches of San Pedro, San Salvador, and San Martín.
Visitors can find beautiful brick and ceramic decorations dating back centuries at each of those sites.
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But Teruel’s history goes back even further than that. The town is a popular destination for dinosaur enthusiasts because of its proximity to Dinópolis, a dinosaur theme park.
Among many things, the park displays fossils from the largest dinosaur found in Europe, the Turiasaurus.
And, for any romantics, Teruel is also a place to visit, thanks to the legend of the Lovers of Teruel, Diego and Isabel.
This tragic love story is commemorated at the Mausoleum of the Lovers, where visitors can see their marble tombs.
Every February, the town brings this story to life with a mediaeval festival, where locals and visitors dress in period costumes and re-enact the tale.
Despite these attractions, Teruel remains under the radar. This is partly because the town has limited connections, with no high-speed rail or direct motorway to Madrid.
Many of its roads are simple two-lane routes through the mountains. But the quiet streets and scenic surroundings can offer a peaceful escape for those who make the journey.
Local leaders also hope to draw more visitors to Teruel. In 2019, Manuel Rando, the president of the Provincial Council of Teruel, said: “We have a dream province, wonderful. When I was in a rural school, people used to come crying because they came to Teruel. And then they would leave crying because they didn’t want to leave Teruel. It is a province with an incredible variety and potential.”
Valencia is the closest major city to Teruel for those interested in visiting. British tourists can fly into Valencia and then take a bus or drive to reach the town.
