MIRAMBEL
 |
| Model of Mirambel |
After my first visit to Mirambel I decided that this very unique village as being a 'Diamond in the Crown of the Maestrazgo'. However it was only after several visits that I realised what was different from all of the other towns and villages I have known in Spain. There was not one single telephone, electricity cable or any other cable to be seen. Not even lampposts! I learned that in in the early eighties the whole village was restored, almost brick by brick, to its former glory so the ugly sight of cables dangling from buildings was completely eliminated. So much so that in 1981 it was awarded a gold medal in the 'Our Europe' competition which was presented by Queen Doña Sofia of Greece, to the architect and Mirambel's dignitaries.
 |
| A street near to the communal bakery with an oven for the use of the inhabitants. |
 |
| The Nun's Gateway. Principal gateway to Mirambel. |
No visitor to Mirambel should leave without visiting the Convent of the Augustine Nuns. This is an absolute, authentic gem. Now occupied by the official tourist office well organised by Pilar. The convent was built in 1342 and was occupied by the religious order for over 500 years until 1980 when they moved south to Benicarlo near the coast. It contains the original cells and even a classroom for the younger children of the village.
British film director, Ken Loach, filmed his brilliant movie 'Land and Freedom' in this location and as was usual for him, he used the villagers themselves to act the various personalities in the making.
 |
| The ramparts of Mirambel at night. |
Also worth noting is the hospitable Hostal Guimera which provides the traveller with excellent food and accommodation.
 |
| The Fonda Guimerá. Restaurant and accommodation. |
The only downside is that the insidious depopulation of the Maestrazgo has been affecting Mirambel. However having said that according to Pilar at the tourist office this decline is slowing down somewhat due to recent births in the village.
 |
| The church of Santa Margarita. |
 |
| One of the five gateways to Mirambel |
 |
| The Town Hall, Mirambel. |
A story about mirambel
Once upon a time there was a man who was an enthusiastic traveller. His particular interest lay in historic architecture; mainly churches. One day he visited that neo gothic masterpiece, St. Patrick's Church in New York and lo and behold, in a small corner, he came across a very ornate gold plated telephone with a sign saying '$10.000 A CALL’. Curiosity overcame him and he called the attention of a passing priest, asking him about the telephone.
"Ah," said the Priest, "That telephone is a direct line to heaven and that is the reason for the high price."
Thanking him the traveller went on his way.
Sometime later he found himself in St. Paul's Cathedral in London and to his surprise saw the same telephone with a note saying, '8.500 POUNDS STERLING A CALL'. Once again a passing cleric explained that this was, indeed, a direct line to heaven.
So our traveller continued and was even more astounded to find the same telephone with high priced calls in Notre Dame, Paris and even the small basilica of St. Mark's, Rome.
Then one day he arrived at Mirambel in the Maestrazgo of Teruel, Spain.
There he immediately found himself enchanted by the whole village which, in 1981, had won first prize out of 500 contestants for Europe's finest restoration work. Of course, as usual, he was drawn to the church. There, once inside, he was absolutely amazed to see the exact same telephone with a note saying 'CALLS 50 CENTIMOS'. He immediately contacted the Priest and asked him if this was a direct line to heaven. The Priest affirmed that indeed it was and the astonished traveller related how he had seen this telephone in many other places with calls at astronomical prices.
"I am sure you have," replied the Priest, "but in Mirambel it is a local call!"
Oficial Page (Spanish)
Comments
Post a Comment