Mudejar Art of Aragon represents the coexistence of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian Culture in Spain. The Mudejar art in Teruel, Zaragoza and Toledo gives clear indications of how Eastern Islamic Tradition fused with the Western Tradition to bring out a harmonious form of art.

Mudejar Art of Aragon represents the coexistence of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian Culture in Spain. The Mudejar art in Teruel, Zaragoza and Toledo gives clear indications of how Eastern Islamic Tradition fused with the Western Tradition to bring out a harmonious form of art. The art was particularly pushed forward in Maghreb and the Emirate of Cordoba. The historical processes of conquest and colonization have helped conserve this art to a large extent.

The Aragonian Mudejar Art owes its architecture to Reconquista in the early 12th century when the lands earlier occupied by the Moors since the 8th century were taken over by the Catholic Kings. It is anyone’s guess why the Christians allowed the Moors to continue living in the reconquered lands and maintain their culture and religion. It might be that the Christians were fascinated by the Islamic art…they continued using the Islamic themes for quite some time. The materials used to manifest the Mudejar Art were the locally available materials such as ceramics, brick, lime and timber.

History of Mudejar art in Aragon

12th to 13th century – This was the beginning of the Mudejar art that fused Christian and Islamic themes. Among the most significant evidence of the art is the ceiling of the Cathedral of Teruel

13th to late 15th century – During this time, the Mudejar Art become widely accepted in Aragon. This period also coincided with the introduction of Gothic architectural style in the Iberian Peninsula. However, Mudejar Art continued to dominate the landscape apart from selected instances.

16th to 17th century – The Mudejars were forced to convert to Christianity thus becoming the ‘New Christians’ or the ‘Moriscos’. Unfortunately, a period of intolerance ensued and the final nail on the coffin was nailed when the ‘New Christians’ were evicted in 1609 to 1610. It was quickly replaced with the Italian Renaissance. However, Mudejar Art is still visible in Ricla, Zaragoza, Mara, Villamayor, Tierga, and Alcubierre.

Attractions that feature Mudejar Art in Aragon

  • Santa María de Mediavilla of Teruel
  • The Palace of La Aljafería
  • The Cathedral of La Seo del Salvador
  • The Church of San Pablo
  • The Collegiate Church of Santa María
  • The Parish Church of Santa Tecla
  • Cervera de la Cañada
  • The Church of Santa María
  • The towers of San Pedro
  • The Teruel towers

Make sure you tour the great Aragon region and get some insights into the great Mudejar Art and its role in creating peaceful coexistence between 3 major religions and civilizations.