Martín de Aldehuela

José Martín de Aldehuela (16 January 1724– 7 September 1802) was a Spanish architect, born in Manzanera, in Teruel Province, Aragon.

While he was still young, he was trained to be a sculptor, though different sources disagree if he was trained by his family or in Valencia. He was initially educated with his uncle, who was also known as José Martín, and later under José Corbinos and Francisco de Moyo. The aqueduct, stretching eleven kilometres, has thirty bridges. He completed it in 1782. Despite not finishing the cathedral, he helped in many elements of its construction, such as the organ case, which he made with the help of organ-maker Julián de la Orden, as well as its tabernacle. He presented more ideas as well, but they were turned down and never realised. Because of his work, however, he was appointed as Master Builder of General Minor Works by the cathedral in 1782, though he was not paid for this position.

Other projects One of his earliest works was the Oratory of San Felipe Neri, which has been seen as the peak of his usage of the rocaille style. During his time working on the Cathedral of Cuenca, he also built the Church of San Millán in Orihuela del Tremedal.

Architectural styles Martín de Aldehuela's work mainly fits into three stages. The first stage was the French rocaille style. The second style was inspired more by Italian Baroque architecture, especially the works of Francesco Borromini. His later, third style was inspired by local Andalusian architecture. However, Aldehuela often returned to early styles throughout his career.

In his work on pre-existing creations, including his decoration, he often improved that work using ornamentation. Meanwhile, floors in his projects often had complicated designs due to the connection of various spaces together. Altogether, he used many different styles, ranging from classicist architecture to Baroque architecture.