Secret treasures to discover in Barcelona: Pedralbes Monastery
One of the clearest and best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture has to be the Pedralbes Monastery, a place that exudes the care and dedication for which it was originally opened as a residence for the Clarisas order.
Monastery, museum and convent: Pedralbes Monastery
Queen Elisenda de Montcada was responsible for founding and inaugurating Pedralbes Monastery in 1327, which has stuck firmly to the same principles and ideas for which it was founded to this very day.
Inside its magnificent walls, it still resembles the same era during which it was built. Works of art, sculptures, canvases, paintings and silverware are all showcased in the various corridors and rooms of the glorious Monastery. A priceless collection that both is both guarded by and safeguards the Clarisas order.
Besides the great art, there’s also an extensive library that holds some treasured original books and literary words from as far back as 1327.
Get to know every corner of the Pedralbes Monastery
The monastery preserves all the traditional features of monastic life that you can see everywhere you turn dating back to its original foundation.
Visitors can see the central feature around which life in the monastery has always revolved, the large cloister, where the plants and trees inspire tranquillity, peace and total relaxation. Surrounding the cloister you’ll find a number of small rooms where the nuns retire to rest.
There’s also a church and chapel, both built in impressive Gothic style. Naturally, the Church offers little in the way of decoration, but the large and extravagant stained glass windows certainly lend it a majestic air. The Chapel stands out for its magnificent paintings.
The entire monastery holds furniture and religious artefacts that have been donated or acquired by the Clarisas order over the years, meaning you can literally see 7 centuries of time passing before your very eyes as you explore this wonderful collection.
Pedralbes Monastery is open for visitors in winter (1 October – 31 March) from Tuesday to Friday between 10.00 and 14.00, as well as between 10.00 and 17.00 on Saturdays and Sundays, while their summer opening hours (1 April – 30 September) are from Tuesday to Friday between 10.00 and 17.00, as well as between 10.00 and 19.00 on Saturdays and between 10.00 and 20.00 on Sundays. Admission is free on Sundays after 15.00. We highly recommend a visit to this incredible location where you can explore every hidden corner and secret of this very special and historic place.
Categories: barcelona