Museo de Teruel

Located in the heart of Teruel, Spain, the Museo de Teruel offers a captivating journey through the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Housed in the historic Casa de la Comunidad, an impressive Renaissance-style palace built in the second half of the 16th century, the museum stands as a testament to Teruel's storied past. This grand stone building, with its elegant façade and arched loggia supported by Doric columns, invites visitors to explore its four floors of fascinating exhibits and collections.

The History of Museo de Teruel

The Casa de la Comunidad, originally the seat of the Comunidad de aldeas de Teruel during the Middle Ages, has served various functions over the centuries. Following its use by the medieval community, the building became the headquarters for the Diputación Provincial, an institute of secondary education, and even political parties. In 1973, the city of Teruel purchased the building with the intention of transforming it into the Museo Provincial, which had been established in 1956 to house archaeological discoveries from the region. The museum officially opened its doors in its new location on March 2, 1987, after extensive restoration efforts.

Exploring the Museo de Teruel

As you step into the museum, you are greeted by a diverse array of exhibits that span six floors, each offering a unique glimpse into Teruel's past. The museum's collections are primarily focused on ethnography, prehistory, and archaeology, but they also include temporary exhibitions, a conservation and restoration workshop, a photographic laboratory, and a specialized library and research facilities.

The Ethnography Section

Begin your exploration in the subterranean level, where the ancient stables have been transformed into a captivating exhibit of popular art, classified by activity. The first room showcases the life cycle of the province's oldest inhabitants, from birth to death. Here, you can marvel at reproductions of different rooms from a typical house in the region, such as a traditional kitchen complete with a hearth. The exhibit also features traditional costumes from various regions of the province.

The remaining rooms in the basement display ancient tools used in various trades, including livestock and agricultural work, hunting, fishing, and beekeeping. You can also see tools used in cheese-making, bread-making, and textile production. One of the highlights is a reproduction of a blacksmith's workshop, an important trade in Teruel during the 16th and 17th centuries.

On the ground floor, the entrance to the museum, you'll find objects made from natural fibers such as esparto and hemp. The first floor houses an impressive collection of popular pottery, established by King Alfonso II of Aragon in 1171 and regulated by the Fueros de Teruel in 1177. The pottery includes hand-made and wheel-thrown jugs used for storing liquids and lead-glazed pieces used for cooking. A recreated pottery workshop in Room III provides a fascinating look into the craft.

Another notable exhibit on this floor is a collection of Teruel ceramics decorated in green and manganese from the 13th to 15th centuries. From the 15th century onwards, cobalt blue became a popular color, followed by yellow and light green. One room features a reproduction of an 18th-century pharmacy from Alcalá de la Selva, complete with its original albarelos (pharmacy jars).

The Archaeological Section: Calanda Mosaics

The archaeological section of the museum is home to one of its most prized possessions: the Calanda Mosaics. These stunning mosaics, dating back to the 4th century AD during the late Roman Empire, were discovered in 1964 at the Camino de la Vega de Albalate site in Calanda. They are considered one of the most significant mosaics in the province of Teruel and a key example of Roman culture in the region. The mosaics underwent a meticulous restoration in 2017, ensuring their preservation for future generations to admire.

Additional Attractions and Facilities

The Museo de Teruel is more than just a repository of historical artifacts. It also hosts a variety of educational and cultural activities, including lecture series, temporary exhibitions, and other public events. The museum's specialized library and research facilities provide valuable resources for scholars and researchers, while the photographic and cartographic archives offer a wealth of visual and historical information.

Visitors can also take advantage of the museum's temporary exhibition hall, which showcases rotating exhibits on a wide range of topics. The conservation and restoration workshop and photographic laboratory ensure that the museum's collections are meticulously maintained and preserved for future generations.

In conclusion, the Museo de Teruel is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and cultural heritage of Teruel and the surrounding region. Its diverse collections, housed in the stunning Casa de la Comunidad, offer a fascinating journey through time, from ancient archaeological finds to traditional crafts and customs. Whether you're a history buff, a casual tourist, or a dedicated researcher, the Museo de Teruel promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable corner of Spain.