Visit Pedralbes monasterybuilt in the early XIVᵉ century, is a true slice of daily life exhibited by the nuns living on site.
After your visit, you can also enjoy the Pedralbes Monastery Museum, which exhibits sacred art from the XIVᵉ to the XXᵉ century.
Today, let's take a closer look.
Pedralbes monastery: article summary
The construction of the Pedralbes Monastery
The monastery was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada. She was supported by her husband, King James II (Jaume II), who dedicated the site to Sainte-Marie. This is why it is officially called "Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes". Since its foundation, the convent has been run by nuns of the Clarisse brotherhood.
Construction of the monastic buildings began in March 1326. The site in the village of Sarrià, then far outside the city walls of Barcelona, was chosen by Queen Elisenda. The name "Pedralbes" is a derives from the Latin Petras Albas (white stones). The name refers to the white stone that serves as the building's abscissa. On May 3, 1327, the nuns moved into the convent.
The result of the short construction period of just one year is a perfect and harmonious example of Gothic architecture in Catalonia. In those days, the construction of a larger church or monastery was a project spanning several centuries, which is why several architectural styles can usually be recognized in the same building, such as the cathedral. However, the rapid construction of the monument meant thatthere is only one style at the Pedralbes monastery.
Visiting the Pedralbes Monastery today
To the east is the single-nave church. On the right-hand side, next to a presbytery, you'll find a choir room reserved for the clergy. You'll also find the tomb of Queen ElisendaThe sarcophagus is curiously divided in two. The part facing the cloister shows the queen as a grieving widow, while the part inside the church shows Elisenda as a queen.
There is no direct access to the interior of the monastery from the church. The entrance is just a few meters from the church. From here, you enter the cloister.
The first attraction is the little chapel of Sant Miquel on the right, towards the church wall. Here, the painter recounts the life of Jesus and Mary in his frescoes, created in 1343. The particularity is the artistic representation, with which he imitated the Italian painter Giotto, who marked the beginning of modern painting.
In the next room of the cloister is the tomb of Queen Elisenda, described above. Other tombs of monastery superiors follow on this side.
On the north side of the cloister are several laundry rooms and cells, as well as the staircase to the second floor, half of which is accessible. The third floor is not accessible.
You'll also find the museum in the monastery's former dormitory. It shows the monastery's sacred art and everyday objects from the XIVᵉ and XXᵉ centuries. In the central cloister, you will also find a number of tiny prayer cells.
Descending the museum stairs, you can continue your tour of the monastery in the lower cloister. On the west side are the service rooms, such as the dining room, kitchen and basement, the reserves of the Pedralbes monastery.
The garden of the Pedralbes Monastery
The monastery certainly wouldn't be as beautiful and impressive if it weren't for the courtyard garden. Here, you'll experience a tranquility you won't find anywhere else in Barcelona. In this place, deep calm reigns. You hear nothing but birdsong and the lapping of the fountain.
Why is it worth the visit?
The monastery of Pedralbes is just outside the city center, but easily accessible by multi-stop bus. It's not as spectacular as the Sagrada Familiathe Casa Milà or the cathedral, but the monastery is beautiful and boasts a lovingly tended garden.
In summer, you can enjoy unprecedented beauty, peace and quiet.a tranquility rarely found in Barcelona.
How do I get there?
To get there, you can use the public transport network provided by the city of Barcelona. You can take :
- Visit metro is to get off at Reina Elisenda station (on line L6)
- the tourist bus to Monastère de Pedralbes stop
What are the opening hours?
As with many attractions in Barcelona, opening times depend on the time of year you visit. For example, you can visit:
- From 1erApril to September 30: Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- of the 1erOctober to March 31: Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on public holidays, the monastery opens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. I'd also advise you to avoid Mondays, when the monastery is closed.
How much does admission cost?
To be able to visit this magnificent place, you must count :
- 5 euros per person
- 3,50 € for the disabled
Admission is free for children under 15. Last but not least, you can also enter free of charge on :
- February 12 (Santa Eulàlia)
- May 18 (International Museum Day)
- September 24 (Mare de Déu de la Mercè)
- 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month
- Sunday after 3 p.m.
A visit to the Pedralbes monastery is a must if you've already explored the whole city. During this visit, I recommend that you soak up the beauty of the place and take time to savor the calm that reigns here.
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