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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
