Lorraine Williamson
Spain is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant fiestas, but some of its most beautiful, powerful, cultural, and spiritual treasures lie in the quiet stone walls of its monasteries.
With more than 800 abbeys scattered across the country, many of these sacred sites reveal astonishing architecture, royal histories, and artistic masterpieces—often in the most breathtaking natural settings.
Whether perched beneath rugged cliffs, gazing over the Atlantic, or nestled deep in forested valleys, these monasteries aren’t just for the devout—they are for dreamers, history-lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking a little stillness.
Here’s our handpicked journey through 12 of Spain’s most inspiring monasteries—grouped not by geography or grandeur, but by what makes each one unforgettable.
Mountain marvels: Monasteries that blend with the rocks
San Juan de la Peña (Huesca, Aragón)
Tucked beneath an enormous cliff in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the medieval monastery of San Juan de la Peña is a marvel of nature and engineering. Its Romanesque cloister seems to grow straight from the rock, its carved capitals whispering tales from the Bible and Aragón’s royal past. This is where kings were crowned and buried. Nearby, the “new” Baroque monastery adds contrast with sweeping arches and majestic facades.
El Paular (Rascafría, Madrid)
Hidden in the forested Lozoya Valley, this former Carthusian monastery feels lifted from a fairy tale. Gothic arches, baroque chapels, and Renaissance flair are framed by pine trees and snowy peaks. Once home to monks, artists, and poets alike, today it still welcomes those seeking reflection in nature.
Regal retreats: Palaces of power and piety
El Escorial (Madrid)
No list would be complete without Spain’s most imposing monastery-palace complex. Commissioned by Philip II in the 16th century, El Escorial is a UNESCO-listed behemoth of symmetry, containing a royal pantheon, vast libraries, art collections, and over 4,000 rooms. It’s more than a monastery—it’s a statement of Spain’s golden age ambition.
Poblet (Tarragona, Catalonia)
A former royal burial site for the Kings of Aragón, Poblet is a living Cistercian monastery with Gothic cloisters, Renaissance tombs, and medieval fortifications. Its peaceful courtyards conceal a rich history that helped shape Catalonia’s medieval identity.
Coastal calm: Spiritual sanctuaries by the sea
Santa María de Oia (Pontevedra, Galicia)
Unlike many inland retreats, Santa María de Oia gazes straight out to sea. Set against the crashing Atlantic waves, this former Cistercian monastery seems to stand guard over the coast. Though no longer a functioning religious site, its atmosphere and location are unforgettable.
Forgotten and revived: Monasteries brought back to life
Oseira (Ourense, Galicia)
Once called the “Galician Escorial,” the Monastery of Oseira fell into ruin after centuries of war, fire, and neglect. But in 1929, monastic life returned—and with it, a revival of its Romanesque and Gothic splendour. Highlights include the twisted columns of the chapter house and a community of monks that still keeps ancient traditions alive.
Santa María de Huerta (Soria, Castile and León)
This former Cistercian monastery boasts one of Spain’s most breathtaking Gothic refectories, flooded with light and history. Though abandoned in the 19th century, today it’s an active Benedictine monastery with guest accommodation and a beautifully restored cloister.
Cradles of language and faith
Yuso and Suso (La Rioja)
Above the village of San Millán de la Cogolla, these two monasteries mark the birthplace of the Spanish language. Suso (“the upper”) began as a cave-dwelling for hermits, while Yuso (“the lower”) evolved into a grand complex blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Here, the famous Glosas Emilianenses—Spain’s earliest written words—were penned in the 10th century.
Leyre (Navarra)
A millennium of history is etched into the stones of the Monastery of Leyre. Tucked into the Navarrese mountains, it’s one of the oldest in Spain and once held the remains of the early kings of Navarre. Visitors can admire its hauntingly beautiful Romanesque crypt and hear monks chanting in Latin in the candlelit church.
Artistic echoes: Masterpieces in monastic form
Santo Domingo de Silos (Burgos, Castile and León)
Home to perhaps the finest Romanesque cloister in Spain, this monastery is famous for its serene symmetry, intricately carved capitals, and the sound of Gregorian chant echoing off the ancient stones. Its medicinal herb garden, medieval pharmacy, and library add to the monastic time capsule.
Uclés (Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha)
Nicknamed “The Escorial of La Mancha,” Uclés is a mix of plateresque, Baroque, and Herrerian design. Perched on a hilltop, its history as a commandery of the Order of Santiago gives it military gravitas. The ornate façade and dramatic interior make it a lesser-known but worthy rival to more famous monastic sites.
A journey beyond religion
These monasteries aren’t just buildings—they are echoes of Spain’s cultural, linguistic, and artistic evolution. Whether you’re tracing royal legacies, following the paths of hermits and monks, or simply enjoying the quiet majesty of a cloister garden, Spain’s monasteries offer a deeper, richer way to travel.
So next time you map your Spanish escape, go beyond the cities and coasts—follow the bell towers and the stories hidden in stone.
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