Monasterio de Piedra is a monastery, hotel and park complex near Nuévalos, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain.
At a glance
The site combines a former Cistercian monastery with a natural park and a hotel. The monastery was founded in 1194, and on 16 February 1983 the entire complex was declared a national monument.
Key facts
- Founded in 1194
- Declared a national monument on 16 February 1983
- Located in the municipal area of Nuévalos, province of Zaragoza
- First place in Spain to host a fish-farming centre
History
The monastery was founded in 1194 by Alfonso II of Aragon, who with his wife donated the castle beside the Piedra River and the surrounding lands to the monks of Poblet Monastery in Tarragona. Thirteen Cistercian monks arrived on 20 May 1194, and the house was dedicated to St. Mary the White. The building was completed by 1218, under James I the Conqueror. In 1835 the monks were exclaustrated, and in 1840 Pablo Muntadas Campeny bought the estate.
What you see
The natural park contains a series of waterfalls such as Cola de Caballo, La Trinidad, La Caprichosa and Los Chorreaderos, as well as the Lago del Espejo and the Cueva Iris. The monastic buildings include the Gothic rib-vaulted cloister, the chapter house built in the 12th century on a quadrangular base with rib vaults, the old abbey, the carriage room, the old monastery kitchen and the refectory. Near these are the former monastic cellars or storehouses, which now house the Wine Museum.
Practical information
- Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio de Piedra, in former cells converted into simple and comfortable rooms. Telephone: 976 849 011.
- Information: Conjunto Turístico Monasterio de Piedra. Telephone: 976 84 90 11.
Getting there
The monastery stands in the municipal area of Nuévalos, in the province of Zaragoza. From Calatayud, take the A-202 towards Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara), from where Nuévalos is reached. The monastery is about three kilometres from this town.
Nearby
- Monasterio de Piedra (1194): Where Europe Prepared and Drank the First Cup of Chocolate in History
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monasterio_de_Piedra
- http://www.elmundo.es/viajes/2002/10/1026293876.html
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/15043833
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