Morata de Jiloca

Circular from the rural school

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.

Morata de Jiloca

The tour has been carried out following the working model of the schools that participated in the project and adapted to the town of Morata de Jiloca.

Morata de Jiloca is located in a privileged natural enclave, surrounded by the Jiloca plain and the Cárcavas. The abundance of resources, water and materials favoured the settlement of different populations throughout history.

Undoubtedly it was the Arabs, and later the Mudejars, who left the greatest mark on the territory, which you will discover on this tour.

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1. History of the town

During medieval times Morata de Jiloca had a Mudejar population. One of the remains of its history is the castle that dominated the town. We do not know when it was built, but we do know that it was besieged in 1357 during the wars against Castile. Nowadays there are hardly any remains, but you can still make out the beginnings of it on one of the highest points in the town.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Construction materials

The Casa Costea is a Renaissance palace from the 16th century. In this example of architecture, we can see the importance of the building materials. The most commonly used materials were clay, plaster, alabaster and wood, located in the vicinity of the towns, what we would call “local materials”. In Morata de Jiloca, the landscape of the Cárcavas stands out, with its clay formations of great interest.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

3. Coexistence of cultures

The Christians conquered the territory in the 12th century. The ancient settlers of our territory, the Muslims, remained in it because they were fundamental to sustain the economy and society of the time. They carried out valued jobs such as agriculture, craftsmanship and construction. In this way, and for many centuries, there was a cultural coexistence between Christians, Muslims and Jews that affected the way of life at the time.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

4. Mudejar Architecture

The great patrons of the time demanded architecture from Mudejar master builders, as it was to their taste. One of the best examples is the church of San Martín de Tours. It is a fortress church, which encompasses both religious and defensive functions through its construction. Furthermore, its façade is one of the best examples of ceramic wall decoration, which creates a play of light and shadow.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

5. Agriculture and landscape

The Muslims, on their arrival in the Iberian Peninsula, introduced their own crops and irrigation techniques to enable indigenous crops to flourish.

This fact completely changed the image of the landscape through the existence of irrigation elements such as irrigation ditches, waterwheels and waterwheels, the use of which has been maintained to the present day. In the case of Morata de Jiloca, the landscape of the fertile plain and its crops make up the main economic livelihood of the town, especially the cultivation of fruit trees (especially apple and pear trees).

In addition, the landscape surrounding the monument has become a symbol of the town’s identity.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

Herrera de los Navarros

Circular from the rural school

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.

Herrera de los Navarros

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

The town of Herrera de los Navarros is located at the foot of the Sierra de Herrera. The nickname “de los Navarros” is due to the people who repopulated the place, as they came from Navarre. This is due to the repopulation charters after the Christian conquest. On this tour we will see its Mudejar church, talk about the importance of water and Mudejar reminiscences, among other things.

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1. History of the town

As we know, the town of Herrera de los Navarros is located at the foot of the Sierra with the same name as the village. In medieval times, when the parish church of San Juan was built, the Mudejar style is the art created by the Mudejars. The Mudejars are those Muslims who, after the Christian conquest (between 1118 and 1120), remained living in the territory.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Mudejar Architecture

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 were extended until the 17th century, as in other buildings of the style. The Mudejars made many types of buildings, depending on the function and the person who commissioned them. The exterior of the church of San Juan is notable for its rich decoration in brick highlights.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

3. Importance of water

It is a divine symbol for Muslims, as water is necessary for life. For the Mudejars, who were also Muslims, water was fundamental. We find Mudejars around large rivers such as the Ebro and its tributaries, which is why it has been called “valley culture”. It is around these that a large Mudejar population was concentrated in medieval times, and therefore many monuments.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

4. Agriculture and landscape

The Sierra de Herrera played an important role in the wars against the kingdom of Castile. There is a hermitage dedicated to the Virgin of Herrera, a place that has traditionally been a place of pilgrimage for the local people. It is related to an apparition of the Virgin to some charcoal burners. In terms of agriculture, the introduction of farming techniques favoured local crops, such as almonds.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

5. Reminiscences

Mudejar art came to an end in the 17th century when the Moors (Mudejars converted to Christianity) were expelled from the territory. However, we have preserved a style that has survived over the centuries. This is why we find materials, construction techniques and ornamental elements that remind us of the Mudejar style used in later works, even up to the 1960s: an example of this are the peirones, generally built in brick and sometimes with ornamental motifs reminiscent of the Mudejar style. They were used to separate towns, which is why they are located a little away from the villages and are usually dedicated to a saint.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Maluenda

Circular from the rural school

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.

Maluenda

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

The town of Maluenda is one of the places where Mudejar architecture acquires a powerful personality of its own. Its monumental complex is made up of three imposing churches: Santa María, Santas Justa y Rufina and San Miguel. All of them have a common characteristic: the use of plaster mortar to finish their walls. Added to all this is the survival of a magnificent urban complex from the 15th century, which grows on the slopes of the hillock where the 4th century rammed-earth castle and its watchtower stand.

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1. History of the town

The church of Santas Justa and Rufina is located in the upper part of the southern part of Maluenda. It was built between the second half of the 14th century and the first decade of the 15th century. The altarpiece is by Domingo Ram, of Gothic style, and is one of the best examples we have preserved. It is dedicated to Saints Justa and Rufina, two sister saints of Sevillian origin.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Construction materials

Another important monument in the town is the church of San Miguel, which is in a state of ruin. Here the building materials can be appreciated very well. The materials used by the Mudejars can be found in the surrounding area. In this way, we will see how commonly used monuments and constructions are made with the same materials and construction techniques. These materials are: clay, plaster, wood and alabaster.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

3. Importance of water and agriculture

The Arabs, when they came to the territory, brought with them fruits and vegetables from the place where they lived, being pioneers in the introduction of irrigation techniques in the rural world. Some examples are waterwheels, waterwheels, cisterns and the most common, irrigation ditches.

They also generated the idea of the agricultural landscape that we enjoy today, and which is fundamental for understanding our town. The river Jiloca flows through Maluenda.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

4. Coexistence of cultures

The albarrana tower is coeval with the castle, from the Islamic period. It was one of the defensive points of the town. After the arrival of the Christians to the territory in the 12th century, we can say that the Mudejar period began. The Christians allowed the Muslims, the previous settlers, to stay in the territory, as they carried out work that was in great demand at the time, including crafts, agriculture and construction.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

4. Mudejar Architecture

The Church of Santa María or the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady is a Mudejar building, but it has undergone a great deal of work due to the fire it suffered inside at the beginning of the 20th century, in which all the plasterwork was lost. Only the imposing alfarje at the entrance to the church was saved, where the name of the master builder, Yusaf Aldomalih, is preserved.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

4. Reminiscences

Mudejar art came to an end in the 17th century, when the Moors were expelled. However, we have a style that has survived through the centuries. This is why, in several later constructions, we find elements and materials that remind us of the Mudéjar style. In Maluenda we find several examples that inherit construction techniques, ornamental elements and materials from the Mudejar style.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Acered

Circular from the rural school

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.

Acered

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

Acered, according to some research, comes from the Arabic “al sirat” (the road). It is located in the Sierra de Santa Cruz, and indeed, it must have been a means of communication between the Arab towns of Daruqa (Daroca) and Qalat Ayyub (Calatayud), as it still is today, a shortcut that would have been taken through the mountains.

The existence of a pre-Islamic population would not be surprising, as there are several examples of Pehistoric and Iberian settlements (Castellar de Berrueco, for example) in the surrounding area of the Comarca de Daroca.

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1. History of the town

The original nucleus of the town is located in a small walled enclosure that is still preserved on a nearby hill, where the hermitage of the Virgen de Semón stands today. It was later rebuilt to face the various battles with Castile, although nothing can be taken for granted. Acered had a moment of splendour in the 17th century, the result of which are its main buildings.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Mudejar Architecture

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Acered allows us to speak of the reminiscences of the Mudejar style. The current building is the work of Juan de la Marca, dating from the 17th century. The plasterwork of Mudejar tradition in the interior stands out. Before the present church there was another one, of which the tower and a part of the wall with a brick arch have been preserved.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

3. Coexistence of cultures

During the Middle Ages, three cultures coexisted in our territory: Christians, Jews and Muslims (called Mudejars after Christian rule). Each culture could freely develop its religion and customs, but they were forced to live separately in the so-called “morerías” and “juderías”. In our towns, we have preserved part of this medieval urban separation in the current plan, which is reflected in the layout of the streets.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

4. Construction materials

In Acered, as in other localities, we can see the materials used for the Mudejar monuments or later ones, such as the church, adapted to the houses in common use. The materials used by the Mudejars can also be found in the surrounding landscape. The most commonly used are clay, plaster, alabaster and wood.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

4. Importance of water

For the Arab world, water is a fundamental and divine principle. For the Mudejars, who were Muslims, it would also be so. When the Arabs arrived in the Iberian Peninsula, they introduced many irrigation systems and techniques that we still preserve and use today. Some examples are the irrigation ditches, waterwheels and waterwheels.

Fountains date back to Roman times, as they served to supply the big cities, and were later replicated in the rural world. There are many different types of fountains and they date from the most ancient to the most recent. In this case, the fountain, the trough and the washing place are in the same structure: it is a clever way of economising resources.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

Velilla de Ebro

Circular from the rural school

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.

Velilla de Ebro

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

The town of Velilla de Ebro has a clear Roman foundation, around the year 44 AD, Lépida Celsa. It became one of the most important colonies at this time, mainly due to its privileged location at a strategic point on the banks of the river Ebro, around which the main communication and trade routes were centred. The magnificent remains of the Roman city can still be seen today. This fact also led to the Muslims settling the same territory in the 8th century, leaving a deep imprint that we still inherit today, mainly palpable in Velilla de Ebro through the preservation of elements related to irrigation.

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1. History of the town

The town of Velilla de Ebro is located on the left bank of the river Ebro. Its origins date back to Roman times, around the year 44 B.C. Its founder was Marcus Emilius Lepidus and it was known under the name of “Victiux Iulia Lepida”. It became one of the most important colonies, even minting its own coinage. The Roman city was renamed Celsa, leaving its remains for posterity.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Mudejar Architecture

After the Christian conquest of the Muslims around the 12th century, the Mudejar period began. The Mudejars developed their own architecture at the service of the Christian lords. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Velilla de Ebro is a perfect example of late Mudejar architecture. It was built in brick on a base of ashlar stone and masonry, with a gallery of arches on the outside and a tower.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

3. Reminiscences

The elements and materials, as well as construction techniques of Islamic tradition continue to be used throughout time, despite the fact that in the 17th century the style came to an end due to the expulsion of the Moors (Mudejars converted to Christianity). These characteristics are adapted to other architectural languages such as, for example, in some Renaissance palaces in Aragon. This is the case of the Casa de los Zapata.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

4. Importance of water and agriculture

Velilla conserves an interesting hydraulic complex comprising a wash house, a flour mill and a double-wheeled waterwheel, possibly of Arab origin. These purely utilitarian architectures speak to us of the ancient relationship of its inhabitants with the river, the raison d’être of this territory. They are characterised by their location and construction in a natural area in front of the town centre, on a branch of the river that surrounds a fertile meadow.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

5. Landscape

The introduction of irrigation techniques by the Muslims, such as irrigation ditches, waterwheels and weirs, favoured many new and indigenous crops.

In response, the agricultural landscape was modified, creating the landscape we know today. In Velilla de Ebro we find a landscape of contrasts, marked by the difference between the area of the meanders produced by the river Ebro, very fertile and green, and, on the other hand, the unirrigated landscape, brown and reddish in colour.

Next to the hermitage of San Nicolás de Bari there are incredible views of the landscape surrounding the town. The church is Baroque, built on the site of a Romanesque church, of which the apse and crypt are still preserved.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Pozuel de Ariza

Circular from the rural school

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.

Pozuel de Ariza

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

Pozuel de Ariza is a border town between the autonomous community of Castilla y León and Aragón. This has been the case throughout the town’s history, as during the border wars between the two kingdoms in medieval times, the town was a key point. The roof of the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Torre stands out from the medieval period. This route takes us through the town, crossing the river Nágima, passing by the parish church and strolling along the Calle Mayor.

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1. History of the town

Pozuel de Ariza was a strategic point in the wars over the border disputes between the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. It is a town on the border between the two Autonomous Communities, even today. In fact, the castle on the border belongs to the Castile and León region and the Nuestra Señora de la Torre hermitage is in the Aragon region.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Mudejar Architecture

In the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Torre we find one of the few Mudéjar roofs in the whole of Aragon with a structure of moamares limes. There are others, such as the one in the parish church of La Seo in Zaragoza. Each Mudejar roof is named according to its structure. There is a rich variety of names, as many as there are types of structures: limas moamares, alfarjes, par y nudillo (pair and knuckle)…

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

3. Importance of water and landscape

The Arabs were pioneers in the introduction of irrigation techniques in the rural world. Examples include waterwheels, waterwheels, cisterns and the most common, irrigation ditches. The introduction of agricultural products and techniques also favoured local crops, which grew better and faster. In addition, the idea of the agricultural landscape was generated, which is fundamental for understanding our localities.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

4. Coexistence of cultures

After the arrival of the Christians in the territory in the 12th century, we can say that the Mudejar period began. 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 forced them to live segmented, in neighbourhoods that we call morerías. The same would happen with the Jews, who would live in the Jewish quarters.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2

5. Construction materials

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 commonly used materials are clay, plaster, wood and alabaster. Pozuel de Ariza stands out for being a dry land, with an abundance of soil.

The colours of the architecture blend in with those of the landscape, with brown and reddish tones standing out. The earth has a specific way of being worked, in this case the technique of adobe and walling is used above all.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

Saviñán

Circular from the rural school

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.

Saviñán

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

Saviñán is located in a place of great natural beauty. During medieval times it was an important point of defence for the Kingdom of Aragon. Some buildings from this period remain, such as the 15th century Torre de las Encantadas (Tower of the Enchanted Ones), built in the Mudejar tradition, one of the few examples of this type in Aragonese territory. The Mudejar influence is due to the existence of an important population centre, with up to 120 fires being counted in 1610, when the Moors were expelled. Therefore, its urban layout will have the typical irregular streets, alleyways and lanes, with outstanding architecture such as the Palace of the Counts of Argillo, the Lordship or the parish church of San Pedro.

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1. History of the town

Saviñán had a large Muslim population since at least the 8th century. In the 12th century, the territory was conquered by the Christians. The Muslim population became known as Mudejar and, although in the service of the Christian lords, their religion and customs were respected. They carried out important activities, especially construction. In Saviñán we can still see some of the architecture, but above all the urban layout of the medieval towns, such as the Palace of the Counts of Argillo, the Lordship or the parish church of San Pedro.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Importance of water

The river Jalón as it passes through Saviñán leaves a beautiful landscape, with the cultivation and production of flowers being common in the locality. It is possible to link the environment and the present-day economy with the Islamic heritage. For the Muslims, water is a fundamental and divine good. Thanks to their technical contributions for the irrigation of the fields, such as irrigation channels and ditches, many plant species were able to flourish in our territory.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

3. Construction materials

The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that can be found in the landscape surrounding the localities, i.e. local materials. In this way, we will see how monuments and constructions in common use are made with the same materials and construction techniques as the main monuments. The most common materials used in construction are clay, plaster, alabaster and wood.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

4. Patrons of Mudejar art

The Mudejars were excellent builders in the service of the Christians. But only those who belonged to the upper echelons of society could afford buildings of such mastery. In the territory of Aragon we find patrons linked to the Church such as archbishops, bishops and even popes (such as Benedict XIII). Also military orders and lords, such as the Counts of Argillo. Although this palace could not be considered Mudejar as it is somewhat later, we find similar characteristics.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

5. Reminiscences

In Saviñán we have preserved many examples of Renaissance palace-houses. These buildings allow us to talk about the use of materials and construction techniques of Islamic tradition that continue to be used over time in our territory. In 1610 the Moors (Mudejars converted to Christianity) were expelled from Aragon, which meant the end of the Mudejar style. Even so, we can still find buildings that are built following the same construction tradition.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

6. Mudejar architecture

The church of San Pedro Apóstol was built in the 17th century. It was built on top of a previous Mudejar temple to become a church. It is attached to a tower in the Mudejar tradition and has a square floor plan. Not only does its tower follow the models marked by the Mudejar style, but the Baroque plasterwork inside is reminiscent of the Mudejar style, as plaster is used, this being one of the fundamental materials of the Mudejar style.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Cariñena

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Heroic and Loyal

We can trace the historical past of Cariñena back to Roman times, when the place was called Cariniana. Since then, the town has been populated throughout history. As in the rest of the territory, the period of Islamic rule stands out, without which the Mudejar culture would never have been born.

During the Middle Ages, Cariñena was the scene of the War between the two Peters. Peter IV the Ceremonious, King of Aragon, ordered the old wall to be reinforced, although it did not serve to stop the troops of Peter I, King of Castile. The Torreón de las Monjas (Tower of the Nuns) stands out from the wall, a space that served as the Archive of the Community of Aldeas de Daroca until 1870.

The wall was completed by the towers of Las Santas, Calle Santiago and Las Sisas, which were demolished, as well as the tower of La Fuente, which was auctioned off.

As a testimony to its medieval past, Cariñena has a coat of arms, granted by the Aragonese king due to the resistance and loyalty of the inhabitants during that conflict.

During the modern period, Cariñena was home to a number of prominent figures who were connected with the monarchy, specifically with the House of Austria. Specifically, the visits of Philip II and Philip III to the town in the 16th century stand out.

Cariñena 2
Cariñena 2

Wine country

The link with wine in Cariñena can be traced back to the founding of the town in Roman times. The real importance of the cultivation and exploitation of vines can be found from the 18th century onwards, a time that corresponds to a demographic increase in the town. In the 19th century, everything related to wine grew strongly in Spain due to the phylloxera crisis in France.

The importance of wine in Cariñena was consolidated in 1932 with the creation of the DO, as well as with the strengthening of the cooperatives in the mid-20th century and the celebration of the Cariñena Protected Designation of Origin Harvest Festival (Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragon) since 1960. This festival has been updated over time, with the 75th anniversary celebration being the moment of creation of the guest of honour, who is in charge of lighting the Fuente de la Mora, from which wine flows.

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

More information

Town Hall: 976 620 112

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Projects Territorio Mudéjar in Cariñena

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Zuera

Circular from the rural school

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.

Zuera

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

Zuera is located on the terraces of the river Gállego, which in Roman times saw the growth of the ancient Gallicum and which fascinated the settlers from North Africa who arrived with the Muslim domination from the 8th century onwards. The origins of Zufaria, an Arabic place name meaning “beautiful” and also the settlement of Salzey -near the hermitage of Salz-, of Muslim origin and whose etymology is linked to the large number of saliceras in the surrounding area. After the Christian conquest, the Muslim peasants, who had a great knowledge of irrigation systems and were the mainstay of the economy of the conquered areas, remained in charge of their lands.

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1. History of the town

Plaster is one of the most important materials in Aragonese architecture thanks to the construction of Islamic heritage. In Zuera we have several plaster kilns and its use is traditional until the 60s of the 20th century: The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that we can find in the surroundings, what we would call, of proximity. Monuments and constructions in common use are made with the same materials and techniques.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Construction materials

Plaster is one of the most important materials in Aragonese architecture thanks to the construction of Islamic heritage. In Zuera we have several plaster kilns and its use is traditional until the 60s of the 20th century: The materials used by the Mudejars are materials that we can find in the surroundings, what we would call, of proximity. Monuments and constructions in common use are made with the same materials and techniques.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 3

3. Importance of water and landscape

One of the most tangible legacies of the Islamic period in Zuera is the exploitation and use of water resources. The Muslims stood out for introducing irrigation techniques to the Iberian Peninsula that completely modified the landscape and that shape the image that surrounds us today. Some of these works are irrigation channels, ditches, cisterns and aqueducts. In the place where we are we have several examples together.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

4. Mudejar architecture

The church of San Pedro de Zuera is an important link between Romanesque and Mudéjar architecture, whose original construction dates from the second quarter of the 13th century. It seems to have had links with Lamberto, master builder of La Seo in Zaragoza, through his daughter married to the master builder Arnaldo, considered to be the master builder of Zuera.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 5.

5. Coexistence of cultures

In medieval times in the Iberian Peninsula we find three cultures coexisting, that is, living at the same time and in the same territory: Muslims, Christians and Jews. Although the Christians allowed the Muslims and Jews to maintain their religion and customs, they forced them to live segmented, in neighbourhoods that we call “morerías” and “juderías”. Today, in many localities, we still have the urban layout of what were once these demarcations. In other places they appear more transformed. Zuera could have had these three cultures coexisting for many centuries, although no separation into aljamas or neighbourhoods can be identified in the urban layout.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

Tarazona

Circular from the rural school

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.

Tarazona

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

Tarazona was founded under the name of Turiaso, and according to local legend, it was built by Tubalcaín and rebuilt by Hercules. In the 1st century BC, the city probably already extended towards both banks of the river Queiles.

From the 3rd century onwards, the city was gradually abandoned due to the political instability of the Roman Empire. At the beginning of the 8th century, Tarazona was under Islamic rule until 1119, the year of the Christian conquest by Alfonso I the Battler. From this time onwards, three very important cultures coexisted in the town: Christians, Muslims and Jews.

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1. History of the town

The Muslims who remained after this conquest became known as Mudejars, and preserved their religion, culture and customs.

As the Christians dominated the territory at that time, they commissioned the Mudejars, who were accustomed to using a series of techniques, materials and decoration typical of their culture, to carry out the constructions. The Christians admired the art built by the Mudejars.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 1.

2. Mudejar Architecture

The Mudejars built many types of architecture depending on the function and the person who commissioned it. In Tarazona we have many examples of Mudejar monuments The Mudejar style of Tarazona Cathedral appears after the War of the Two Peters. It was necessary to rebuild part of the building. There is also an example of a Mudejar cloister attached to the building.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 4

3. Importance of water and landscape

Mudejar architecture can be found around large rivers, as this was the place where the Muslim population usually settled. The Ebro was the backbone of the city, with its main tributaries, such as the Jalón, also gaining importance. The river that crosses Tarazona is the Queiles, an important population centre for all cultures throughout history.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 6

4. Reminiscences

Many examples of Renaissance palace-houses and even religious buildings are preserved in Tarazona. These buildings allow us to talk about the use of traditional Islamic building materials and techniques over time. In 1610 the Moors (Mudejars converted to Christianity) were expelled from Aragon, which meant the end of the Mudejar style. Even so, we can still find buildings that are built in the same construction tradition.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 7

4. Coexistence of cultures

With the arrival of Christianity, the previous settlers had to live segmented into different quarters, although their religion and customs were respected. These neighbourhoods, or aljamas, were like small cities with their own administration at the service of the Christian king.

In the aljamas were located, in addition to the houses where people lived, the main buildings for the conduct of life in each culture, such as mosques and synagogues. There are localities where this urban division is perfectly differentiated. Tarazona is one of the best examples. As well as having an extensive Moorish quarter, it also has a Jewish quarter, as the town had a large Jewish population.

This point is linked to the didactic activity 2