The city council of Teruel has received a donation of two models representing the city's emblematic monuments, crafted by local artisan Manuel Villarroya Ortiz. The donation was made by Teresa Antón Placencia, Villarroya's wife, and allows for the preservation and public display of these handcrafted pieces, which can now be viewed in the hall of the Torre del Salvador auditorium at the San Julián Cultural Centre.
Teruel's mayor, Emma Buj, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its role in preserving and promoting the city's historical and artistic heritage through the meticulous work of a local craftsman. She also commended Teresa Antón Placencia for her generosity in sharing these works with the community.
The donation was formally received by Carmen Romero, the councillor for Finance and Social Services, on behalf of Teresa and her family. The two models depict the Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla and the Aqueduct of los Arcos, both fundamental elements of Teruel's monumental heritage. The cathedral model is valued at €900, while the aqueduct model is valued at €600, bringing the total value of the donation to €1,500.
A meticulous craft
Manuel Villarroya Ortiz, born in Teruel in 1925, spent much of his professional life in Barcelona, where he worked as a regional manager for a major national laboratory until his retirement at 66. His passion for marquetry led him to dedicate his free time to creating reproductions of monuments, a task that required patience, precision, and exceptional manual skill.
According to an article published in the Diario de Teruel on 17 August 1991, Villarroya began his work on these reproductions with the help of one of his sons, who created a model during his secondary education. This experience sparked Villarroya's interest in a craft that demanded careful planning and execution. He used simple tools and materials such as birch wood, which provided a unique finish to his models. The process involved taking photographs of the monuments from various angles to reproduce their architectural elements in detail.
The model of the Teruel Cathedral is noted for its complexity, particularly in replicating the various levels of the roofs and the elements that make up the monumental ensemble. The 1991 article indicated that this work required approximately a year and a half of dedication. Similarly, the reproduction of the Aqueduct of los Arcos demanded meticulous effort, capturing its arches and characteristic features.
Preserving heritage and memory
The exhibition of both models at the San Julián Cultural Centre offers the public a unique perspective on Teruel's heritage through the lens of craftsmanship and detail. These reproductions serve as a testament to Manuel Villarroya's dedication and a means of recognising the contributions of those who help preserve and share Teruel's history. With this donation, the city council adds two essential pieces representing the city's architectural wealth to its public spaces, enhancing the cultural experience for both residents and visitors.
