11/02/2025
Mausoleum of The Lovers of Teruel
The Mausoleum of the Lovers of Teruel, which holds the most emblematic love story of Spain, is located in the Lovers Square, right next to the Church of San Pedro. Read more: news156media.com/the-lovers-of-teruel-spains-tragic-tale-of-love-and-loss/
According to the story that is alleged to have taken place in 1217, Diego and Isabel were both descendants of noble and influential families. The relationship between the two youngsters did not seem to convince her family, because Juan Diego was not the firstborn and therefore did not have any valuable properties. Due to this reason, Diego requested five years to get richer and finally have the means to ask the hand of his beloved Isabel. His request was granted, and Diego went to war, searching for the promised fortune.
However, when he returned to Teruel, the five-year deadline had expired. Isabel, oppressed by her father, married an important nobleman of the city. In the day of the wedding between Isabel and her fiancé, Diego managed to meet with his ladylove at her house and requested a kiss, promptly denied by her. Devastated because of her denial, he falls dead at her feet.
In the next day, a funeral is held to Diego in the Church of San Pedro de Teruel. During the funeral, a mourning Isabel comes near Diego's body. She reaches down his face to give him the kiss she denied while he was alive. She does so, but suddenly takes a deep breath and passes away on the body of her lover.
They were buried in the Church of San Pedro.
Since many people came across Spain to see the Lovers of Teruel, the mummies were exhumed and put into two new tombs that were sculpted by Juan de Ávalos. The tombs are carved out of marble and bear the family shields of Marcilla and Segura, but the most attractive part of the tombs are the lids. The lids are exquisitely carved: one features the strong and handsome Diego, his one arm outstretched, reaching for his love Isabel – his hand comes close to touching her, but because of religious piety they do not touch (since Isabel was married).
