Monastery of Santa María la Real and its collection

Monastery of Santa María la Real
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The Monastery of Santa María la Real is located in Aguilar de Campoo, a municipality in the province of Palencia, within the Spanish Autonomous Community of Castile and León. This former Premonstratensian monastery was constructed at the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th century, a period marking the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture.

Restoration and Current Use of the Monastery

After years of decay, the monastery, known as convento caído (fallen monastery), underwent a fundamental restoration starting from the 1970s. Today, the restored buildings serve as the headquarters of the Fundación Santa María la Real, a foundation that played a significant role in the restoration process. The monastery also accommodates a distance-learning university and a hotel.

Museum of Romanesque Architecture

Within the church of the monastery, a museum dedicated to Romanesque architecture, known as Centro Expositivo Rom, has been established. This museum provides an in-depth exploration of the Romanesque architectural style, which is a significant aspect of the monastery's history.

Historical Sarcophagi in the Church

The church of the monastery houses several sarcophagi dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. These sarcophagi are adorned with the coats of arms of the Castañeda and Villalobos families. Some of them feature recumbent figures, such as the tombs of Nuño Díaz de Castañeda and Pedro Díaz de Castañeda. The inscriptions at the head ends of these tombs reveal their names and the years 1293 and 1300 respectively.

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ESMonasterio de Santa Maria la Real
DEKloster Santa María la Real (Aguilar de Campoo)
ENMonastery of Santa María la Real (Palencia)
ENHotel Posada Santa María la Real
ESMonasterio de Santa María la Real de Mave
ESAguilar de Campoo, Santa Maria la Real monastery

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Art & Design Art & Design Archaeology Historic house Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Religion Religious building

Monastery of Santa María la Real
Avenida Cervera 7

Visitor information Monastery of Santa María la Real

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
16:00 – 20:00
Wednesday
16:00 – 20:00
Thursday
16:00 – 20:00
Friday
16:00 – 20:00
Saturday
10:00 – 14:00
16:00 – 20:00
Sunday
10:00 – 14:00
16:00 – 20:00

Summer schedule (July 1 to September 10):
Monday - Sunday
10:00 -14:00
16:00 -20:00

Admission

Normal rate€3.00

Group ticket (+ 30 people): 3 EUR per person
Child / youth school group ticket: 3 EUR per person
Free admission: Wednesday from 18:00 -20:00

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Monastery of Santa María la Real.

Location & Map

Avenida Cervera 7, Aguilar de Campoo

Discover all museums in Aguilar de Campoo

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Monastery of Santa María la Real have been found.

Monastery of Santa María la Real Reviews

Monastery of Santa María la Real has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Monastery of Santa María la Real in Aguilar de Campoo, Spain, is a well-preserved example of Romanesque architecture that offers visitors an insightful look into medieval monastic life. The monastery's impressive stone structures and intricate carvings showcase the skilled craftsmanship of the period. Visitors often appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the cloisters, chapels, and other historical spaces. The museum within the monastery provides informative exhibits on the building's history and the daily lives of the monks who once lived there. While some reviewers mention that more detailed English explanations would be helpful, most find the audio guide sufficient for understanding the site's significance. The surrounding landscape adds to the overall experience, with the monastery beautifully situated against a backdrop of rolling hills. Some visitors note that the restoration work is ongoing, which can occasionally impact the viewing experience of certain areas. Overall, the Monastery of Santa María la Real is considered a worthwhile stop for those interested in history, architecture, and Spanish cultural heritage, though it may not appeal as much to those seeking more interactive or modern museum experiences.

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