Jail of Torre del Compte

Rarely do we have the opportunity to observe in architecture such a clear correlation between function and form as that revealed by the town halls of the Matarraña and Bajo Aragón (Lower Aragon).

The town halls built in the comarca during the second half of the 16th century and the early 17th century were the setting for numerous activities of collective life. They served not only as the seat of the town council meetings, but also as a place for neighbourly relations, a covered market, leisure, and a jail.

The town hall of Torre del Compte was completed in 1574, as shown by the Council's coat of arms on the façade. It is built in ashlar masonry on the exterior and rubble masonry on the interior. It is in the Renaissance style, and two elements stand out: the triangular pediments crowning the windows of the main floor (piano nobile), and the three gargoyles with representations combining aggressive and unsettling elements. This type of gargoyle is a continuation of medieval sculptural decoration which, in the Renaissance architecture of Aragon, is preserved in only two other cases: in the town hall of the neighbouring town of La Fresneda and in that of Uncastillo (Zaragoza).

Today it continues to house the functions of the municipal administration. In addition, the former jail in its interior has been restored, and on the upper floor the Ethnological Centre is on display.