Teruel

Teruel is a very nice city but it's a pity it is so far away. It is the capital of this province and although there are a couple of provincial capital cities closer, they are not the capital of our province. Teruel is over 170 kms away, a 2½ hour drive through lovely countryside and  mountains.

We had to go there to renew our "residency" - our previous card had just expired, (after 5 years!) and this cannot be done by any other means other than actually going there with all necessary documents, their photocopies and a photo.

We arived just before 9am which gave us time for breakfast before the 9:40 appointment.

When everything had been sorted out, it was time for another coffee in a sunny spot at a bar in the main square and then a wander around the city centre. We now have certificates of residency which do not have to be renewed so we will never have to go to Teruel again.

The architecture is interesting.

There's a (model) bull on the top of this column.

The narrow streets lead to interesting buildings.

Even the "Residencia de Pensionistas" fitted in well...

...as does the Ayuntamiento.

The 13th century cathedral, is a fine example of Mudéjar achitecture.

The north entrance is just off a small, quiet square.

Inside, the cathedral is cool and surpringly well lit considering the lack of windows.

There is a splendid wooden ceiling...

...and some fascinating side chapels...

...lit by a window in the top of their domed roofs.

Brilliant design and we thought roof lights were so modern.

It's all in very good condition.

I hope these statues on a platform are lighter than they look for when they go out around the streets.




Across the little square is a museum of sacred ornaments and paintings...

...collected from various churches across the region...

...and presented here for posterity.

It all made the trip worthwhile.

Posted in: Teruel