Casa Turull: Legacy of Cretas' oldest family
Explore the history and imposing architecture of Casa Turull, an emblematic building that marks the presence of the influential Turull family in Cretas since the 15th century.
History of the Turull family in Cretas
The Turull family is one of the oldest and most prominent lineages in Cretas, with roots going back to the 15th century in the town. Among its most notable members are the famous organ builders, who produced a significant number of works, including the magnificent organ of Morella, a masterpiece of Aragonese organ making. In addition to their invaluable contribution to music, the Turull family also left an indelible mark on the architecture and local heritage of Cretas, as patrons of important constructions.
Their fame came from being organ builders for churches. In their workshop in Cretas, and across several generations, the Turulls renovated the organ of Fuentespalda and built those of Vilafranca, Tarazona, Zurita and a long list of others, among which the organ of the Church of Morella stands out.
Casa Turull: An emblematic building
"Casa Turull", currently known as "Casa Sanz", is a magnificent ashlar masonry building with a rectangular floor plan. Its interior organisation revolves around an impressive central staircase of four flights, which receives natural light through a raised section with four windows and a distinctive octagonal wooden roof. The main façade of this house features a symmetrical composition of openings, characteristic of 18th-century nobility.
Felicísimo Turull: The great patron
The Turull name is synonymous with patronage in the history of Cretas. Did you know who Don Felicísimo Turull was? This illustrious member of the family funded the construction of several significant buildings in Cretas, consolidating an architectural legacy. His most notable works include "Casa Turull" itself (today "Casa Sanz"), the chapel of San Antonio (built in 1758), the "casa Huesa" (also known as "casa Salado"), and the house of Alfonso Celma, strategically located on the Plaza de España. His vision transformed the urban landscape of Cretas.
As regards the architecture of Cretas, the Turulls were directly responsible for the construction of eight of the most significant buildings in the town, among them: the casa Huesa, the casa la Notaría and, of course, the great manor house in question, dated 1746 and featuring a splendid balcony with brackets decorated with caryatid figures.
Nor can we overlook Felicísimo Turull's contribution in raising the chapel of San Antonio de Padua, located on this very street, as a gesture of thanks to the saint for having suffered no mishaps during the construction of the aforementioned buildings.
What elements distinguish the façade of Casa Turull?
On the ground floor is the main doorway, which has a round arch with a keystone dated 1746. This doorway is decorated with moulded shafts resting on pilasters. On either side of the doorway, two framed square windows open into the façade. A string course separates the ground floor from the main floor. On the main floor, a balcony with two bays and a large projection stands out. This balcony rests on stone brackets decorated with sculpted heads. The balcony is flanked by two flat-arched windows with moulded sills. On the second floor, another balcony set into the wall with wrought-iron railings can be seen. This balcony is also flanked by two windows with moulded sills. In the attic of the house, two small elongated flat-arched openings are visible. The side façade features a balcony with simple wrought-iron railings and a projection resting on wooden brackets. In addition, five rectangular windows are distributed irregularly across this side façade. "Casa Turull" is a building of great beauty and architectural value with rich ornamentation combining Baroque and Renaissance elements.
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