Monasteries are, along with castles and cathedrals, one of the most representative monuments of the medieval history of Spain. Even in ruins, its impressive architecture continues to define the peninsula’s rural and urban landscape. In fact, the existence of monasteries did not stop in the Middle Ages, but continued during the 16th and 18th centuries until the confiscation of Mendizábal (1836-1837).
The ancient medieval monasteries played a very important role in Spain, not only in artistic manifestations, but also in religious, social and cultural life over time. Many of them managed to be reborn with the reactivation of cenobitic lifeothers after restoration transformed into tourist centers or intended for various uses.
Restoration of ancient medieval monasteries
Monastery of Santa Maria la Real
The Monastery of Santa María la Real, also known as El Escorial Galician, It was founded in 1137 by King Alfonso VII and is classified among the first Cistercian monasteries in Spain.. The church, with three naves, has transitional Gothic and Romanesque architecture and its chapter house has original columns that resemble palm trees. The facade, for its part, features sculpted towers whose design is characteristic of Galician Baroque.
The ruin of the monastery began with the confiscation of Mendizábal (1836), but it was restored after the arrival of a group of Cistercian monks from France. For several decades Numerous restoration works have been carried out. Between 1950 and 1959, for example, the bell towers, the tower, the chapter house and the staircase were rebuilt. The rest of the restorations (cloister, refectory, library, etc.) took place from 1966.
Monastery of Santa María de Bujedo
The Monastery of Santa María de Bujedo was built in 1172 by the Cistercian order, but with the confiscation of Mendizábal it was left abandoned and was eventually used as a stable. After being included on the list of national monasteries in 1931, It was restored to transform it into a center for historical studies.
For its restoration, many vaults were rebuilt from scratch, as were the roofs, the choir, the spiral staircase and the arch leading to the cloister. The monastery retains the sobriety characteristic of Cistercian architecture, but it was broken in the church by a 16th century star vault.
Monastery of Sant Benet
The monastery of Sant Benet, considered the best preserved medieval monastery in Cataloniawas built in the 10th century one hour from Barcelona, in San Fruitós de Bages. The romantic architectural style of the monastery, reflected in its cloisters and rooms, combines perfectly with the tranquil atmosphere of its gardens. Stone walls, ancient arches and frescoes transport visitors to times of contemplation and devotion.
In 1594 it was annexed to the Abbey of Montserrat and, from the 18th century, it served as a reception center for many elderly monks. In addition, it served as a school of arts and crafts. In 1835 the monastery was abandoned when the monks had to withdraw due to the confiscation of Mendizábal. Finally, In 1907, Elisa Carbó (owner of several textile factories) bought the monastery to give it to her son, the painter Ramón Casas.
The monastery of Sant Benet was historiographed and restored by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and was declared a historical heritage of Spain.
Monastery of Santa María de la Oliva
The Monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Oliva, located in Carcastillo, eastern Navarre, was built in 1134 by García Ramírez. Because its construction dates from the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century, It is one of the Spanish Cistercian monasteries that retains the greatest Romanesque elements.. At the time the community enjoyed great prosperity, but throughout the 19th century the monastery suffered serious attacks during the War of Independence and after the confiscation of Mendizábal.
After several years of abandonment, the monastery was again occupied by Cistercian monks and has since been restored internally. Currently, the restoration work is entrusted to José Luis Franchez Apecechea, architect of the Architectural Heritage Section of the General Directorate of Culture-Prince of Viana Institution of the Government of Navarra.
The challenges of catering
The restoration of ancient monasteries presents several challenges. First of all, It is essential to carry out a detailed study of the current state of the buildingwhich involves an in-depth analysis of materials, construction techniques and original decorative elements. Furthermore, it is essential to respect conservation rules and to guarantee that interventions are reversible, that is to say that they do not alter the heritage in an irreversible manner.
Conservators must work in collaboration with historiansarchaeologists and architects to ensure that every decision is based on the history and context of the place. The recovery of frescoes, the restoration of cloisters and the rehabilitation of worship spaces are just some of the tasks that require an interdisciplinary approach.
Conclusion
As we move into the future, the commitment to the restoration of these architectural treasures ensures that future generations can appreciate and experience Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
Recommended Reading
Monasteries and monasticism in medieval Spain
Restoration of monuments in Spain
