Portfolios - Territorio Mudéjar

Torres de Berrellén

Pedagogy

SCHOOL MATERIALS TO WORK ON CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

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Didactic Mudejar, the guide

THE GUIDE ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID GUIRAO TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE MUDEJAR STYLE

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El Castellar: origin of the town and important military enclave

Torres de Berrellén is located in a landscape of singular beauty, next to the mouth of the river Jalón.

The town has its origins in the ancient village of El Castellar; the first Aragonese occupation on the banks of the Ebro built by King Sancho Ramirez in 1080, as a military fortification in the vicinity of the Islamic medina of Saraqusta.

This fortification was of great strategic value in the conquest of Zaragoza, carried out by King Alfonso I the Battler in 1118. The distribution of land to the neighbours, next to the banks of the Ebro, gave rise to the construction of farmhouses or towers that were soon populated, generating different urban centres.

The enclosure is located on a rocky spur of gypsum, which is used as the main building material. The remains of the entrance gate to the enclosure are preserved, as well as evidence of the masonry walls, some dwellings, drainage pipes and burial sites.

El Castellar was gradually depopulated throughout the 15th century, while Torres de Berrellén grew on the other side of the Ebro.

A church with two towers

The parish church of San Andrés dates from the 16th century and is notable for its two bell towers in Mudejar and neo-Mudejar style. The current appearance of the exterior of the Church of San Andrés Apóstol de Torres de Berrellén is the result of the extensive restoration it underwent in the last third of the 20th century by the architect José Luís de la Figuera y Benito, in which the brick walls of the original building were covered with facing brick, a portico was added to the southern façade and a new tower was built at the foot of the same side.

Another element that deserves special mention in the municipality is the towboat, one of the few still in use today. It was built in contemporary times and still allows transit between the two banks of the river Ebro.

More information

Torres de Berrellén Town Council:
Telephone number: 976 653 101 https://torresdeberrellen.net/

VISIT TORRES DE BERRELLÉN
976 653 101

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Turismo de Aragón
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Comarca Ribera Alta del Ebro
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Territorio Mudéjar Network

The city council has been a founding member of Territorio Mudéjar since 2025.

Projects Territorio Mudéjar
in Torres de Berrellén

Pedagogy | See the project
Mudéjar didactic, the guide | See the project

Utebo

Pedagogy

SCHOOL MATERIALS TO WORK ON CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

Visit the project

Mudetrad Project

A PROJECT THAT ENHANCES THE VALUE OF THE TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF UTEBO

See map of Utebo

El mudéjar y la geometría euclidiana

PLASTIC STUDY OF THE ARAGONESE MUDEJAR OF THE SPACE OF THE MUDEJAR TERRITORY

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Didactic Mudejar, the guide

PRODUCTION OF AN EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS TO HELP THEM INTERPRET THE MUDEJAR STYLE

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Circular from the rural school
Family Outings

COOPERATIVE PROJECT BETWEEN RURAL DEVELOPMENT GROUPS

Know the project Visit the town

The eighth milestone

The roots of this settlement can be traced back to the archaeological remains of a Roman villae near the eighth milestone of the military road that ran from Ilerda to Legio VII Gemina. This is why some research has linked the name Utebo with “octavus”.

The old quarter is centred around the church, the town’s main monument, in an organic and irregular manner, articulated around three main areas: the Plaza de España, the Cuatro Esquinas and the Plaza del antiguo Ayuntamiento.

In Utebo there are various architectural structures dating from the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. All of them are made with traditional materials that could refer us to the Islamic tradition: brick plastered with plaster. This heritage is combined with new western artistic styles, generating an architecture with its own genuine characteristics, which we know as Aragonese Renaissance.

The roots of this settlement can be traced back to the archaeological remains of a Roman villae near the eighth milestone of the military road that ran from Ilerda to Legio VII Gemina. This is why some research has linked the name Utebo with “octavus”.

The old quarter is centred around the church, the town’s main monument, in an organic and irregular manner, articulated around three main areas: the Plaza de España, the Cuatro Esquinas and the Plaza del antiguo Ayuntamiento.

In Utebo there are various architectural structures dating from the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. All of them are made with traditional materials that could refer us to the Islamic tradition: brick plastered with plaster. This heritage is combined with new western artistic styles, generating an architecture with its own genuine characteristics, which we know as Aragonese Renaissance.

"The bell tower of mirrors"

The tower, also known as the ‘belfry of mirrors’ because of the reflections and glints produced by the sun on the ceramics that cover it, is a magnificent example of late Mudéjar architecture and corresponds to the typology of the mixed tower. The date of completion of the work and its architect are known from an inscription on the first frieze of the square body, in the form of a decorative border: […] izola mestre Alonso de Leznes, acabose en año 1544.

The inscription is made in glazed ceramic from Muel, with a white background and the epigraphic characters in manganese oxide. Leznes was an outstanding master builder who also worked on the Lonja in Saragossa and the church in Longares.

The Mariano Mesonada Cultural Centre, in the Plaza de España, is a must. It houses a museum dedicated to the painter José Orús and hosts various cultural activities. Also the Centro Cultural El Molino, an old flour mill which has been given a new function as a municipal cultural space.

The tower, also known as the ‘belfry of mirrors’ because of the reflections and glints produced by the sun on the ceramics that cover it, is a magnificent example of late Mudéjar architecture and corresponds to the typology of the mixed tower. The date of completion of the work and its architect are known from an inscription on the first frieze of the square body, in the form of a decorative border: […] izola mestre Alonso de Leznes, acabose en año 1544.

The inscription is made in glazed ceramic from Muel, with a white background and the epigraphic characters in manganese oxide. Leznes was an outstanding master builder who also worked on the Lonja in Saragossa and the church in Longares.

The Mariano Mesonada Cultural Centre, in the Plaza de España, is a must. It houses a museum dedicated to the painter José Orús and hosts various cultural activities. Also the Centro Cultural El Molino, an old flour mill which has been given a new function as a municipal cultural space.

Territorio Mudéjar Network

The city council has been a full member of Territ estate Territ percibible since April 2022.

More information

Town Hall: 976 770 111
https://utebo.es/

VISIT UTEBO
976 633 296

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Turismo de Aragón
turismodearagon.com
Turismo Comarca Central
https://comarcacentral.es/

Projects Territorio Mudéjar in Utebo

Herrera de los Navarros

Didactic Mudejar, the guide

THE GUIDE ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID GUIRAO TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE MUDEJAR STYLE

View guide

Circular from the rural school
Family Outings

COOPERATIVE PROJECT BETWEEN RURAL DEVELOPMENT GROUPS

Learn more about the project Visit the project

The Herrera Mountains

The town of Herrera de los Navarros is located at the foot of the sierra of the same name. The Sierra de Herrera played a very important role in the wars against the kingdom of Castile, providing an indispensable natural defence.

There is a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Herrera, a place that has traditionally been a place of pilgrimage. The place is related to the apparition of the Virgin to some charcoal burners. It is located at an altitude of 1,350 metres above sea level in a place of great beauty from where you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The work that has survived to the present day dates from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Very close to the current urban environment we also find vestiges of its past: the Cerro de los Castellares was a Celtiberian settlement from the 2nd Iron Age, which remained inhabited until the 2nd century B.C. Although the main research suggests that the current village originated in medieval times as a result of repopulation policies.

The town of Herrera de los Navarros is located at the foot of the sierra of the same name. The Sierra de Herrera played a very important role in the wars against the kingdom of Castile, providing an indispensable natural defence.

There is a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Herrera, a place that has traditionally been a place of pilgrimage. The place is related to the apparition of the Virgin to some charcoal burners. It is located at an altitude of 1,350 metres above sea level in a place of great beauty from where you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The work that has survived to the present day dates from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Very close to the current urban environment we also find vestiges of its past: the Cerro de los Castellares was a Celtiberian settlement from the 2nd Iron Age, which remained inhabited until the 2nd century B.C. Although the main research suggests that the current village originated in medieval times as a result of repopulation policies.

The church of San Juan Bautista

The parish church of San Juan Bautista is a Mudejar temple, the construction of which began in the 14th century. However, its construction and additions lasted until the 17th century. Its current appearance is the result of four construction stages: the first two correspond to the Mudejar construction, from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Elements of the fortress churches have been preserved in the church: part of a walkway and several buttressed towers, which were enlarged in height in later centuries. The tower is also the result of several construction phases: the first three sections, according to Professor Gonzalo Borrás, correspond to the structure reminiscent of an Almohad minaret, probably built in the 14th century. The last two sections correspond to an addition from the 16th century, and currently house the bell tower.

The parish church of San Juan Bautista is a Mudejar temple, the construction of which began in the 14th century. However, its construction and additions lasted until the 17th century. Its current appearance is the result of four construction stages: the first two correspond to the Mudejar construction, from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Elements of the fortress churches have been preserved in the church: part of a walkway and several buttressed towers, which were enlarged in height in later centuries. The tower is also the result of several construction phases: the first three sections, according to Professor Gonzalo Borrás, correspond to the structure reminiscent of an Almohad minaret, probably built in the 14th century. The last two sections correspond to an addition from the 16th century, and currently house the bell tower.

Territorio Mudéjar Network

The city council has been a full member of Territorio Mudéjar since April 2023.

More information

Town Hall: 976 143 001

Association for the Integral Rural Development of the lands of Jiloca and Gallocantaadri.es

VISIT HERRERA DE LOS NAVARROS
976 633 296

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Turismo de Aragón
turismodearagon.com
Turismo Comarca de Daroca
turismo.comarcadedaroca.com
Centro de Estudios darocenses
ifc.dpz.es
Centro de estudios del Jiloca
www.xiloca.org

Projects Territorio Mudéjar in Herrera de los Navarros

Mudéjar didactic, the guide | See the project
“Circular” Family walks | See project
Mudetrad projects | See project

Muel

Didactic Mudejar, the guide

OUR GUIDE ILLUSTRATED BY DAVID GUIRAO CAN ACCOMPANY YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY

View guide

Projects

IN TERRITORIO MUDEJAR WE ARE WORKING ON NEW PROJECTS

"Fiel Villa" of Muel

We can place the origin of the town of Muel around the 1st century, in Roman times. Its importance lies in the creation of a Roman dam, built with the intention of regulating the water supply from the river Huerva to the most important city of the time: Caesaraugusta.

The castle of the Marquises of Camarasa, located on the highest point of the town, is identified with a castle of Islamic origin, which could also give its name to the village , mentioned as “Muwala”.

Later, there is medieval documentation, specifically from the year 1160, in which the name Molle appears. It has been linked to the word “muelle”, understanding this reference to the dam of Roman origin, as well as to “muela”, referring to the millstone.

In the year 1495, in Muel, 99 fires were recorded, which means that the town was inhabited by some 400 inhabitants, most of them Moors, Mudejars who had been forcibly converted to Christianity.

The Islamic tradition

The Islamic tradition, the result of so many centuries of cultural coexistence, is reflected in the importance of the town’s pottery workshops, important examples of which have survived.

After the expulsion of the Moors from Aragon in 1610, the town was practically depopulated. However, this work was perpetuated among the new settlers during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, turning Muel into a leading craft and export centre.

Although it was one of the most reputable centres, this work was interrupted in 1920 due to the introduction of new materials. It was not until 1965 that pottery work was resumed again with new professionals.

The vestiges of the medieval past in the town of Muel can be seen in different key points. One of them, the tower of the church of San Cristóbal, is the only Mudejar architectural element in the church. The current building corresponds to a work from the Baroque period.

Walking through its streets we can quickly appreciate the urban framework of Islamic tradition, with narrow, dead-end streets. In addition, the Puerta de la Villa or Mudejar Arch in the Calle Mayor still stands.

It is worth stopping along the way at the Parque de la Fuente, where, surrounded by an impressive natural setting, stands the Roman dam, which serves as the foundations of the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Fuente, an 18th century construction that houses wall paintings attributed to Fracisco de Goya.

Territorio Mudéjar Network

The city council has been a founding partner of Territorio Mudéjar since 2023.

More information

Town Hall: 976 140 001
muel.es

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Tourism Calatayud Region
turismodearagon.com
Tourism Campo de Cariñena Region
campodecarinena.es

Projects Territorio Mudéjar in Muel

Fréscano

The “Circular from the rural school” project is a cooperation project between rural development groups led by the Asociación Territorio Mudéjar.

The following have participated in the project: ADRI Calatayud-Aranda, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, FEDIVALCA -Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena-, ASOMO Tarazona and el Moncayo, CEDEMAR -Bajo Aragón Caspe and Ribera Baja del Ebro-, ADRAE -Ribera Alta del Ebro- and ADEFO Cinco Villas.

The objective is to develop educational materials around the Mudejar identity of the towns, placing rural schools and the educational community of the towns as the center of the project.

Based on the work developed, for almost three years, the students of fifteen schools have designed a walk through their town in which we can learn about the main points of interest and their connection with the Mudejar culture.

Fréscano

The tour has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the locality of Fréscano.

During the tour of Fréscano we can see many examples of characteristic elements that have to do with popular architecture, which is the reflection, both in construction and decorative technique, of the monuments of the town. In the case of Fréscano, the palace of the Dukes of Villahermosa stands out, as does the chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Huerta, which houses a valuable vestige of mural paintings in its interior.

The Christians allowed the Muslims to stay in the territory, as they were necessary to sustain the local economy. They allowed them to maintain their religion and customs, but they allowed them to live segmented, in neighbourhoods that we call “morerías” and “juderías”. In Fréscano we can still see part of the Arab layout of the town, although we cannot locate the Moorish and Jewish quarters. We know that, when the Moors were expelled, 450 people left Fréscano.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

The Christians allowed the Muslims to stay in the territory, as they were necessary to sustain the local economy. They allowed them to maintain their religion and customs, but they allowed them to live segmented, in neighbourhoods that we call “morerías” and “juderías”. In Fréscano we can still see part of the Arab layout of the town, although we cannot locate the Moorish and Jewish quarters. We know that, when the Moors were expelled, 450 people left Fréscano.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that can be found in the surroundings, what we would call, of proximity. In this way, we will see how commonly used monuments and constructions are made with the same materials and construction techniques. The most common are clay, plaster, wood and alabaster.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

Water is the most important principle of the universe according to the Koran. It is a divine symbol, since water is necessary for life. It is also present in the Muslims’ idea of their Paradise. For the Mudejars, who were also Muslims, water was fundamental. We find Mudejar around the great rivers such as the Jalón, the Huerva, the Ribota, the Huecha… which is the area around which many Mudejar populations were concentrated in medieval times, and therefore, many monuments.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

Although it is true that there is no point in time in the locality, we can affirm that Fréscano is closely linked to Mudejar culture. Mudejar is understood and spread through different areas related to the population that settled in the territory and of which we have evidence.

In Fréscano we have a great tradition of cultivation that comes from the heritage of the Arab population and that is materialised today in the legacy of a series of irrigation techniques such as irrigation ditches, waterwheels, waterwheels, cisterns… It is also interesting to see how these elements have evolved: in Fréscano we have an example of hydraulic engineering from the 20th century: the Casa de Elevación de Aguas (Water Raising House).

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Castejón de Valdejasa

The “Circular from the rural school” project is a cooperation project between rural development groups led by the Asociación Territorio Mudéjar.

The following have participated in the project: ADRI Calatayud-Aranda, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, FEDIVALCA -Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena-, ASOMO Tarazona and el Moncayo, CEDEMAR -Bajo Aragón Caspe and Ribera Baja del Ebro-, ADRAE -Ribera Alta del Ebro- and ADEFO Cinco Villas.

The objective is to develop educational materials around the Mudejar identity of the towns, placing rural schools and the educational community of the towns as the center of the project.

Based on the work developed, for almost three years, the students of fifteen schools have designed a walk through their town in which we can learn about the main points of interest and their connection with the Mudejar culture.

Castejón de Valdejasa

The route has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the locality of Castejón de Valdejasa.

During the walk through Castejón de Valdejasa we will be able to discover several interesting places, such as the castle park from where we have privileged views of the landscape, as well as the church of Santa María la Mayor, an original construction from the Mudejar period. We will also discover other later works carried out more later in time and which we call Mudejar reminiscences.

The Iberian Peninsula had been inhabited by Muslims since the 8th century. The Christians conquered the territory where the Muslims lived. In our territory this happened between 1118 and 1120. The Muslims who remained after this conquest became known as Mudejars, and preserved their religion, culture and customs. The Christians dominated the territory at that time and commissioned the Mudejars, who were accustomed to using a series of techniques, materials and decoration typical of their culture, to carry out the constructions.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

Water is the most important principle of the universe according to the Qur’an, it is a divine symbol, since water is necessary for life. It is also present in the Muslims’ idea of their Paradise. For the Mudejars, who were also Muslims, water was fundamental. The Arabs, when they arrived in the territory, brought with them fruits and vegetables from their place of origin. The climate in both places is different, so they had to adapt irrigation techniques so that these crops could develop, which is why they were pioneers in the development and improvement of agriculture in the rural world. Some examples are: waterwheels, waterwheels, cisterns, irrigation ditches…

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

The Mudéjars were particularly skilled in the construction of buildings of unique technical characteristics and beauty. They were highly sought-after master builders by the great patrons of the time and their works were in keeping with the taste of the period. The church of Santa Maria la Mayor was a Mudejar construction, however, today it remains hidden due to the restoration work carried out in the 20th century.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

Mudejar art came to an end in the 17th century when the Moors were expelled from the territory. However, we have preserved a style that has survived over the centuries. This is undoubtedly due to sharing a culture and territory for a long time. This is why we find materials, construction techniques and elements that remind us of the Mudejar style in later works.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that we can find in the environment. In this way, we will see how commonly used monuments and constructions are made with the same materials and construction techniques. The most common are clay, plaster, wood and alabaster. All of them are materials that we see reflected in the monuments and popular architecture. Many of these materials can be seen from this viewpoint.

In Castejón de Valdejasa there are still some cellars at the foot of the place where we started the route, the highest point of the village. They are excavated taking advantage of the natural unevenness of the clayey terrain, and their fronts are finished off with masonry. Nowadays they have been adapted as meeting places, being a very picturesque place that you should not miss.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

Villafeliche

The “Circular from the rural school” project is a cooperation project between rural development groups led by the Asociación Territorio Mudéjar.

The following have participated in the project: ADRI Calatayud-Aranda, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, FEDIVALCA -Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena-, ASOMO Tarazona and el Moncayo, CEDEMAR -Bajo Aragón Caspe and Ribera Baja del Ebro-, ADRAE -Ribera Alta del Ebro- and ADEFO Cinco Villas.

The objective is to develop educational materials around the Mudejar identity of the towns, placing rural schools and the educational community of the towns as the center of the project.

Based on the work developed, for almost three years, the students of fifteen schools have designed a walk through their town in which we can learn about the main points of interest and their connection with the Mudejar culture.

Villafeliche

The tour has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the locality of Villafeliche.

It is also one of the best examples of an open Moorish quarter, due to the large number of people of the Muslim religion who lived in the town before and after the Christian conquest. You only have to stroll through its streets to feel the urban mark of Islamic tradition.

The first references to Villafeliche date back to the Arab period, when the town had a castle and a small village at its foot. Little by little, this town gradually gained importance due to the abundance of natural resources in the surrounding area: water and materials. The settlement of the Arabs in the territory for almost five centuries left a mark and an influence on the way of life that we still inherit today.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that can be found in the surroundings, what we would call, of proximity. In this way, we will see how commonly used monuments and constructions are made with the same materials and construction techniques. The most common materials are clay, plaster, wood and alabaster. The abundance of raw materials in Villafeliche led to the establishment of pottery workshops that exported to other places.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

The Christians allowed the Muslims, previous settlers, to remain in the territory, as they were necessary to sustain the local economy. In Villafeliche we still have an open Moorish quarter, as the majority of the population was Muslim. The streets are narrow and winding, full of alleyways and lanes, and the colour white predominates. They are white in colour in response to two reasons: to cope with the extreme weather conditions of the area, which are very hot in summer and very cold in winter. On the other hand, following the tradition of the Muslim house, where life is lived indoors, thus preserving privacy. Hospital Street formerly marked the separation between the neighbourhood of the Old Christians and the New Christians, or Moriscos.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

The church tower combines one of the Mudejar building typologies, decoration and materials. The tower of the church of Villafeliche is late in the style. These towers are called mixed towers, as they have a lower quadrangular body and an octagonal upper body and serve as the church’s bell tower. We can see decoration in simple brick and ceramics from the 16th century that generates a play of light and shadow.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

Water is the most important principle of the universe according to the Koran. It is a divine symbol, since water is necessary for life. It is also present in the Muslims’ idea of their Paradise. For the Mudejars, who were also Muslims, water was fundamental. When the Arabs arrived in the Iberian Peninsula around the 8th century, they brought with them fruits and vegetables from their place of origin.

In order for these foods to survive, they had to have a good water supply. For this reason, they introduced several irrigation techniques that are still preserved today: irrigation channels, ditches, water reservoirs, waterwheels… Following Corredera street we can see all the crops of the fertile lowlands of the Jiloca river, especially fruit trees. You can also go to the gunpowder mills that are still preserved in the town.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

Terrer

The “Circular from the rural school” project is a cooperation project between rural development groups led by the Asociación Territorio Mudéjar.

The following have participated in the project: ADRI Calatayud-Aranda, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, FEDIVALCA -Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena-, ASOMO Tarazona and el Moncayo, CEDEMAR -Bajo Aragón Caspe and Ribera Baja del Ebro-, ADRAE -Ribera Alta del Ebro- and ADEFO Cinco Villas.

The objective is to develop educational materials around the Mudejar identity of the towns, placing rural schools and the educational community of the towns as the center of the project.

Based on the work developed, for almost three years, the students of fifteen schools have designed a walk through their town in which we can learn about the main points of interest and their connection with the Mudejar culture.

Terrer

The route has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the locality of Terrer.

The town of Terrer was the seat of one of the most important noble families of the medieval period, the Luna family. High up, Terrer dominates the fertile plain of the river Jalón and has a Muslim castle from the 9th century. Another of the town’s significant features is the parish church of the Asunción de la Virgen, of which the original Mudejar-style tower stands out.

There is a known Celtiberian settlement in the locality, which later became Roman. The ancient name of the town was Tarta. The locality is located in an area where communication routes have predominated since ancient times. The remains of the old Muslim castle from the 9th century stand on the top of a small hill. The mark of Islamic tradition can be seen in the trades related to water, an essential element in Islam, linked to the existing population of Terrer.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

After the arrival of the Christians in the territory in 1120, we can say that the Mudejar period began. The Christians allowed the Muslims, previous settlers, to remain in the territory, as they were necessary to sustain the local economy. In Terrer there coexisted, on the one hand, the inhabitants of the Muslim aljama (Moorish quarter), vassals of the Lord of the castle and, on the other, the direct subjects of the king.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

The main patrons of Mudejar art were the monarchy (kings), the Church (in the case of Aragon we even have papal patronage, in the person of Benedict XIII or Pope Luna), noble families (such as the Luna lineage) and military orders.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that can be found in the surroundings, what we would call, of proximity. In this way, we will see how commonly used monuments and constructions are made with the same materials and construction techniques. The most common are clay, plaster, wood and alabaster.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

The Mudejars built many types of buildings, the most important of which were fortress churches and towers. Towers have a very complex chronological and structural development. We find towers with different constructive and decorative solutions.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Water is the most important principle of the universe according to the Koran. It is a divine symbol, since water is necessary for life. It is also present in the Muslims’ idea of their Paradise. For the Mudejars, who were also Muslims, water was fundamental. Muslims pioneered the introduction of irrigation techniques in the rural world. Some examples are waterwheels (in Terrer we have one), waterwheels, cisterns and the most common, irrigation ditches.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

Magallón

The “Circular from the rural school” project is a cooperation project between rural development groups led by the Asociación Territorio Mudéjar.

The following have participated in the project: ADRI Calatayud-Aranda, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, FEDIVALCA -Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena-, ASOMO Tarazona and el Moncayo, CEDEMAR -Bajo Aragón Caspe and Ribera Baja del Ebro-, ADRAE -Ribera Alta del Ebro- and ADEFO Cinco Villas.

The objective is to develop educational materials around the Mudejar identity of the towns, placing rural schools and the educational community of the towns as the center of the project.

Based on the work developed, for almost three years, the students of fifteen schools have designed a walk through their town in which we can learn about the main points of interest and their connection with the Mudejar culture.

Magallón

The route has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the town of Magallón.

Magallón has various traces of the different cultures that have inhabited the area in the past: Iberian, Roman, Arab and Jewish. One of its most outstanding symbols is the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Huerta, of which part of the perimeter walls and a beautiful seven-sided polygonal apse of which there are only two examples in the whole of Aragon.

As has already been mentioned, different cultures have historically settled in the territory now occupied by Magallón. From this place we are going to explain its history: it was first an Iberian settlement and later a Roman settlement. We find the ancient Caravi on the promontories of the Castle and the Cabezo. Later this place was conquered by the Muslims and also populated by the Jews. The church where we find ourselves is called the church of San Lorenzo. The oldest part of this church is the bell tower, which would have been part of the tower of the 12th century medieval castle on the same site.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

In Magallón we still have a Moorish and Jewish quarter. They are located on the slopes of what was once the castle and is now the church of San Lorenzo. The streets are narrow and winding, full of alleyways and lanes and the colour white predominates. The streets are white in colour in response to two reasons: on the one hand, to cope with the extreme weather conditions of the whole area, which are very hot in summer and very cold in winter. On the other hand, following the tradition of the Muslim dwelling, where life is lived indoors, thus preserving privacy. The Jewish quarter was located between the quarters that today are called Calentejo and San Miguel. The Moorish quarter was located in the vicinity of the church of Santa María de la Huerta.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

For Islamic culture, water was a sacred asset. The abundance of water favoured the development of agricultural work and, therefore, the improvement and development of hydraulic engineering that can still be seen today: irrigation ditches, waterwheels, waterwheels and cisterns are some of the examples that we have preserved. In Magallón there is a fertile landscape bathed by the river Huecha.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that can be found in the surroundings, what we would call, of proximity. The most common are clay, plaster, wood and alabaster. These materials appear in monuments, but they are also the ones used to build popular architecture, for example, in Magallón we have several examples of palaces that belonged to wealthy local families.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

The church of Santa María de la Huerta was the temple of the convent that was located next door, and which today corresponds to the Casa de la Cultura building. The exterior is richly decorated, as the Mudejars needed decoration as a fundamental part of the construction of their spaces. Thus, they generated lights and shadows, which made the monument change depending on the light and weather conditions. It responded to a way of understanding the world based on their religion, which claimed that only God is permanent, and therefore all other things must be changeable and perishable. This is what we know as the aesthetics of “the mutable”. Today, the remains of the church have been restored as an auditorium because of its good acoustics.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

La Almunia de Doña Godina

The “Circular from the rural school” project is a cooperation project between rural development groups led by the Asociación Territorio Mudéjar.

The following have participated in the project: ADRI Calatayud-Aranda, ADRI Jiloca-Gallocanta, FEDIVALCA -Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena-, ASOMO Tarazona and el Moncayo, CEDEMAR -Bajo Aragón Caspe and Ribera Baja del Ebro-, ADRAE -Ribera Alta del Ebro- and ADEFO Cinco Villas.

The objective is to develop educational materials around the Mudejar identity of the towns, placing rural schools and the educational community of the towns as the center of the project.

Based on the work developed, for almost three years, the students of fifteen schools have designed a walk through their town in which we can learn about the main points of interest and their connection with the Mudejar culture.

La Almunia de Doña Godina

The route has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the town of La Almunia de Doña Godina.

The locality belongs to the local development group FEDIVALCA – Valdejalón and Campo de Cariñena.

The tour has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the locality of La Almunia de Doña Godina.

The first part of its name, Almunia, which means “market garden”, comes from the period of Muslim domination, and the second part comes from Doña Godina, a rich landowner who donated the place where her market garden was located to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. On this site, the order built a hospital, creating a new village around which a whole hamlet developed, which is the town we know today. The Romanesque chapel of Cabañas, which preserves a magnificent collection of Gothic mural paintings, a Romanesque font and a Mudejar choir raised on an alfarje, bears witness to the ancient settlement.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

In La Almunia de Doña Godina, the coexistence of the three cultures stands out. There would have been distinct quarters, but the best preserved today is the Jewish quarter, which would have been framed by the streets of Rosario, San Juan, Adobares, Cantarranas and Barrioverde. The names of the streets have been preserved, such as Calle Barriocurto and also the structure of the houses, streets and alleys.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

The Mudéjars were particularly skilled in the construction of buildings of unique technical characteristics and beauty. They were highly sought-after master builders by the great patrons of the time and their works were in keeping with the taste of the period. In La Almunia de Doña Godina we find the materials and construction techniques applied to medieval buildings but also to Renaissance palaces, as well as the main monument, the church of La Asunción.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

Mudejar art is art made by Mudejars and commissioned by Christians. The main commissioners were the monarchy (kings), the Church (in the case of Aragon we even have papal patronage, with Benedict XIII or Pope Luna), noble families and military orders. We find the example of the old hospital of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in La Almunia de Doña Godina.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

The building materials and techniques of Islamic tradition would be used during the following centuries, although with different artistic languages. This is the case, for example, of the Renaissance palaces that can be found all over the town and which make up the original houses of La Almunia. We can also see this continuity in the church of La Asunción, which, although it is Baroque, is made of brick.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

The Mudejars built many different types of buildings, of which the towers stand out. The tower at La Almunia corresponds to the previous Mudéjar building. This type of tower is called “mixed”, combining a quadrangular lower body and an octagonal upper body, and has an advanced chronology, around 1575. It is also richly ornamented. The Mudéjars needed decoration as a fundamental part of the construction of their spaces.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

Archives: Portfolios

Pedagogy

Didactic Mudejar, the guide

El Castellar: origin of the town and important military enclave

A church with two towers

Pedagogy

Mudetrad Project

El mudéjar y la geometría euclidiana

Didactic Mudejar, the guide

Circular from the rural schoolFamily Outings

The eighth milestone

"The bell tower of mirrors"

Didactic Mudejar, the guide

Circular from the rural schoolFamily Outings

The Herrera Mountains

The church of San Juan Bautista

Didactic Mudejar, the guide

Projects

"Fiel Villa" of Muel

The Islamic tradition

Circular from the rural school

Fréscano

1. History of the town

2. Coexistence of cultures

3. Construction materials

4. Importance of water

5. Agriculture and irrigation techniques

Circular from the rural school

Castejón de Valdejasa

1. History of the town

2. Agriculture and landscape

3. Mudejar architecture

4. Reminiscences of the Mudejar style

5. Construction materials

Circular from the rural school

Villafeliche

1. History of the town

2. Construction materials

3. Coexistence of cultures

4. Mudejar architecture

5. Water and agriculture

Circular from the rural school

Terrer

1. History of the town

2. Coexistence of cultures

3. Patrons

4. Construction materials

5. Mudejar architecture

6. Water and agriculture

Circular from the rural school

Magallón

1. History of the town

2. Coexistence of cultures

3. Importance of water and agriculture

4. Construction materials

5. Mudejar Architecture

Circular from the rural school

La Almunia de Doña Godina

1. History of the town

2. Coexistence of cultures

3. Construction materials

4. Patrons

5. Reminiscences of the Mudejar style

6. Mudejar architecture

Contact

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Circular from the rural school
Family Outings

Circular from the rural school
Family Outings