During our family trip to the beautiful Spanish city of Teruel, we learned about a romantic and touching love story, similar to the one described by Shakespeare in the play “Romeo and Juliet”.
The poignant and tragic love story of Isabella and Diego from Teruel achieved the unthinkable the Catholic Church, with its rigid stance on family ties, to permit the construction of a mausoleum for the star-crossed lovers within the church itself. It's remarkable to consider that in the church of San Pedro, a couple who were not married, and in fact, were married to other people during their lifetime, are laid to rest together. This extraordinary exception is a testament to the enduring power of their love, which transcended the conventions of their time. The church, often bound by tradition and doctrine, made a rare concession to allow the entombment of these two lovers, a decision that underscores the profound impact of their story on the hearts of those who knew them.
The tale of the star-crossed lovers from Teruel actually predates the famous tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. It all began in the year 1217, a time when the city of Teruel was still a thriving medieval town. Fast forward to the late 16th century, when Shakespeare penned his iconic play - around 1595, to be exact. So, it's no wonder that the Spanish take offense when Diego and Isabel are referred to as the Spanish Romeo and Juliet. After all, their story is a centuries-old one, deeply rooted in Spanish history and culture. The comparison to Shakespeare's characters is not only unfair, but it also diminishes the significance of this ancient tale of love and woe.
Diego and Isabel had been in love since they were kids, but her dad, who was the wealthiest guy in Teruel, wasn't having it - he didn't want his daughter marrying some poor young guy. So, he gave Diego an ultimatum: get rich within five years. Diego took this as a challenge and went off to fight in the war against the Moors. It was during this time that he managed to make a name for himself and earn a pretty penny, gaining both fame and fortune.
Diego was a no-show after his term ended, and Isabel's father took it upon himself to arrange her marriage to the wealthy and well-connected Don Pedro de Azagra. The wedding day finally arrived in 1217, and that's when Diego decided to make an appearance in the city. He snuck into Isabel's room, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, and asked if he could have one last kiss. But Isabel, now a married woman, turned him down. The pain of her rejection was too much for Diego to handle, and he collapsed at her feet, his heart broken.
At the funeral service held in the San Pedro church the following day, a shocking scene unfolded. A woman, dressed in a wedding gown, her face hidden from view, appeared before the mourners. It was Isabel, and she made her way to Diego's coffin, driven by a deep longing to make amends for a lifetime of regret. As she leaned forward to bestow upon him the kiss she had denied him in life, her emotions overwhelmed her, and she succumbed to grief, collapsing onto his chest, her life slipping away in that instant.
The people of the city were so moved by the strength of their emotions that they, along with Isabel's husband, decided the two lovers should be laid to rest together. And so, their mummies have been entombed side by side, a lasting testament to a love that transcends all obstacles.
In the heart of Teruel, you'll find the stunning Ensemble of Saint Peter, home to the famous Mausoleum of Lovers. This beautiful spot is where the alabaster sarcophagi are kept, and above them, you'll see sculptures of two lovers reaching out to each other, their hands almost touching, but not quite. It's a powerful symbol of the impossible love they shared in life. But what's even more remarkable is what lies beneath these sculptures - in glass cases, you'll find the actual mummified remains of two young people, discovered back in the 16th century. Their tragic love story has become a legend, and it's because of this that Teruel has earned the nickname of being the Spanish capital of romance. The town has become a place where love and passion are still celebrated to this day, and the Mausoleum of Lovers is a must-visit for anyone who believes in the power of true love.
My child, Arian, was really touched by this story, it had a big impact on him. My little girl, Erika, who's only five, also understood what had happened, she had been listening carefully to what the guide was saying. She realized that the people in the story had passed away. It was amazing to see how much she had taken in, and how it had affected her too.
She took a moment to comfort herself and those around her, whispering softly, "They're finally together again in heaven."
The complex also features the Church of San Pedro, a remarkable example of Mudejar architecture that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Mudejar style is a unique phenomenon that arose due to the fact that after the Reconquista, Muslim masters remained to live in Christian lands. They brought with them a virtuoso skill in working with brick, ceramics and wood, creating complex geometric patterns.
The Church of San Pedro in Teruel is really something special - it's a great example of how different styles can come together. Its tower is particularly impressive, it's so light and elegant. What makes it stand out is the use of glazed ceramics in green and white on a background of terracotta bricks, which creates a kind of lace effect. This style is actually typical of Islamic architecture, but here it's being used for a Christian church, which is really interesting. The way the colors and materials work together is just beautiful, and it's a big part of what makes the Church of San Pedro so unique.
The inside of the church is just as amazing as the outside. The way the pointed arches and intricate designs come together creates a special feeling that brings different religions closer. This kind of art added a touch of Eastern luxury and mathematical precision from Islamic patterns to Christian architecture. It's a rare example of two religions that didn't always get along being brought together in harmony. The mix of Gothic arches and Arabesque designs is a beautiful blend of different styles, making the church a unique and breathtaking place to visit.
As it's like being transported to a medieval fairy tale. The whole complex is really something special, with a monastery that still has a charming courtyard, and the San Pedro Tower, which is said to be the oldest Mudejar tower in the entire city.
As we made our way up the spiral staircase to the tower, we were greeted by the sight of several bells, which we examined closely for the first time. The view from the top was breathtaking, with the city unfolding before our eyes in a wonderful panorama.
