San Pedro Church

San Pedro Church, locally known as Iglesia de San Pedro, is a stunning example of Mudéjar architecture located in the heart of Teruel, Spain. This 14th-century church is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Pedro Church is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply the beauty of sacred spaces.

The History of San Pedro Church

The origins of San Pedro Church date back to 1220 when two disciples of Saint Francis of Assisi, Juan de Perusa and Pedro de Saxoferrato, founded a Franciscan convent in Teruel. The original hermitage of San Bartolomé was demolished in 1392 by order of the Archbishop of Zaragoza, García Fernández de Heredia, to make way for the construction of the church we see today.

In 1555, the mummified remains of the Lovers of Teruel were discovered in the subsoil of one of the church's side chapels. This discovery led to the chapel being dedicated to these tragic lovers, adding a layer of romantic mythology to the church's already rich history. The chapel also housed a retablo dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, sculpted by Gabriel Joli before 1537.

Architectural Marvel

San Pedro Church is a single-nave structure with five sections, lateral chapels between the buttresses, a polygonal apse, and a high choir at the rear. The church is covered with simple ribbed vaults reinforced by pointed transverse arches, creating a sense of unity and spaciousness. The western facade features a large rose window and the main portal, which is framed by pointed and splayed archivolts topped with a gable and flanked by pinnacles. A secondary portal, similar in structure but smaller in scale, is located on the Epistle side wall.

The Tower of San Pedro

The Tower of San Pedro is the oldest example of Mudéjar architecture in Teruel, dating back to the late 13th century. This bell tower was attached to the original church, which predates the current building. Its intricate brickwork and decorative elements make it a striking feature of the church and a significant landmark in Teruel.

The Cloister

The cloister of San Pedro Church is one of the few examples of cloister spaces in Mudéjar art in Aragon. Constructed in the second half of the 14th century, it was built by the wealthy Turolense Francisco Muñoz, who was buried in one of the church's chapels. The cloister is Gothic-Mudéjar in style, built of brick with ribbed vaults. Although it was believed that the medieval structure had been demolished and rebuilt, it is now known that the cloister was reformed and redecorated between 1901 and 1902 by architect Pablo Monguió, giving it a neo-Gothic appearance. The cloister was restored in 2007, revealing several 17th and 18th-century funerary crypts and a medieval funerary stele decorated with a cross and the keys of Saint Peter.

The Medieval Necropolis

During the remodeling works of the Lovers of Teruel Mausoleum in 2004, a 13th-century medieval necropolis was discovered. This necropolis occupied the area of the mausoleum and the access courtyard, identified as the cemetery of the original San Pedro Church. After the construction of the current church in the 14th century, the burial area was abandoned and used as a simple courtyard or corral.

The Archaeological Space in the Church Courtyard

Adjacent to the church and cloister, the so-called patio-garden served as a parish cemetery during the 17th to 19th centuries. Archaeological excavations carried out in 2006, 2013, and 2014 revealed the remains of three medieval houses destroyed in the late 15th century. The last occupation of the site was a 17th-century glassblowing workshop with five small circular melting furnaces. The most significant find was an extensive arched gallery, part of the Los Arcos aqueduct, designed in the 16th century by Pierre Vedel to supply water to the city. This gallery is well-preserved and can be traversed to the Lovers' Space building, where it is interrupted.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

San Pedro Church was declared a Monument of Historical Artistic Interest (now a Cultural Interest Site) on June 3, 1931. In 1986, UNESCO recognized the church as one of the representative buildings of the Mudéjar architecture in Teruel, declaring it a World Heritage Site.

In conclusion, San Pedro Church in Teruel is not just a place of worship but a historical and architectural gem that offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Its Mudéjar architecture, romantic legends, and archaeological significance make it an unmissable attraction for visitors to Teruel.