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Monastery of Santa Maria

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Ripoll ·
Church|Sights|Historic Site ·
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Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
2 adults, 1 room
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Historical Magnificence of Monastery of Santa Maria

Situated in Ripoll, the Monastery of Santa Maria is a medieval Benedictine monastery, consecrated in AD 888. It served as the spiritual heart of Catalonia from the mid-10th to the mid-11th century.

The monastery features a five-naved basilica adorned with an exceptional stone portal, renowned for its Romanesque artistry. The interior includes remarkable floor mosaics, an exhibit on the rare illustrated Bibles of Ripoll, and the tomb of Guifré el Pilós, the founder.

Unforgettable Highlights

🌱 Beautiful Gardens: The monastery's gardens are meticulously maintained, offering a tranquil escape.

📜 Manuscripts Display: View rare biblical manuscripts created between 1008 and 1020, showcasing historical literary art.

🐉 Carved Columns: The cloisters feature intricately carved columns depicting fantastic creatures.

Accessibility is free, making it a destination for tourists, families, and history enthusiasts alike.

Interesting Facts about Natural History Museum Monastery of Santa Maria

Foundation Date

Consecrated in AD 888, it is one of Spain's oldest monasteries.

Guifré el Pilós

The monastery is the burial site of Guifré el Pilós, a significant figure in Catalan history.

Romanesque Art

The stone portal, created around 1100, is considered one of Spain's finest examples of Romanesque art.

Location

Placa del Monestir Placa Abat Oliba s/n