In the city of Teruel in the early 13th century, a young man called Diego de Marcilla loved Isabel de Segura as she did he, but her father said he was too poor and gave him five years to become rich. The day the five years were up Diego returned to Teruel,a rich man after many adventures and battles. But in his absence and apparent no return Isabel had married Pedro de Azagra. Upon hearing the news on his arrival, Diego looked for Isabel and when she refused him a kiss he literally fell heartbroken to the ground and died.

Isabel hears about Diego’s (which turns out to be false) death and so decides to marry Pedro

His funeral took place the next day and as they transported him, a lady from the crowd approached the dead body lifted her veil to reveal that she was Isabel. She bent over Diego and  kissed him and then fell dead on top of him.They were buried together and have been together ever since.

The remains of the Lovers

This romantic yet tragic story is one that is famous throughout Spain and the remains of “The Lovers of Teruel” have been maintained through the ages in the city and can be visited in their mausoleum. It is said but not proven that Shakespeare actually based his “Romeo and Juliet” on this story and gave it  a fashionable Italian flavour.

Monks giving out specially brewed beer

What is definitely true is that every year around 14th February Teruel celebrates this story with the fiesta “Las Bodas(The Weddings) de Isabel de Segura”. The whole town dresses up in medieval dress, a large medieval fair takes place and  the story is re-enacted in the streets with medieval architecture as a backdrop.

Isabel waving to the crowd

The atmosphere is one of festival and fun. The buzz of people enjoying themselves and the colourful spectacle are contagious. Add to this the amazing food on offer both in the streets and the bars of Teruel and you have the perfect combination.

Food for Medieval Foodies

There is something about Teruel that is difficult to put one’s finger on but it is has more of a feeling of a town than a city,with its narrow pedestrian streets, small centre and familar feeling.Its history is fascinating and its people open and friendly.

Modern foodie fare-Spanish ham, quails eggs and foie

What I like about this Mudejar city is that it still maintains that “off the beaten track” feel which is pretty hard in this day and age.We went to Teruel on our honeymoon over thirty years ago so it has a special place in our hearts  but all the above make it a special place for anyone  to visit.

The Spanish Thyme Traveller organise trips on which you can experience the amazing food and culture of the  beautiful interior of Valencia and Teruel.Check out our webpage by clicking on this logo: