If there is one thing that is easy in Barcelona, it is to find historic buildings with an incalculable architectural and cultural value. What if Sagrada Familia that if Batlló House that if La Pedrera that if The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site… But what happens if we eliminate Catalan modernist architecture from the list?
Well, although it may seem surprising, even if we ignore the architectural movement with more presence in our territory, we are still left with authentic jewels that are worth a visit and that, in addition, are not so congested with tourism. The perfect example? The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes which this summer will open its cloister to the public completely free of charge.
One of the largest gothic cloisters in the world
From June 4 until September 13, Pedralbes Monastery will open its cloister two afternoons a week so that everyone who wants to visit it for free and without reservation. These visits will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays from summer from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm
The aim of the monastery is to spread the heritage so that visitors can enjoy what is considered to be one of the largest Gothic cloisters in the world. This monastery has almost 700 years of history. It was founded in 1327 by Queen Elisenda of Montcada with the support of her husband, King James II.
For most of its history, until 1983, it was inhabited by the Poor Clare nuns and houses inside the tomb of Queen Elisenda, which offers two faces, the one facing the church, where her image appears dressed as a sovereign, and the one facing the cloister, where she is shown as a widow and penitent.
The monastery as a whole is one of the greatest exponents of Catalan Gothic and its cloister has a special relevance, partly because of its size. The interior of the monastery, as well as the medieval orchard the accompanying almost 3,000 m² cultivation area is also open to the public and can be visited all year round, although it does require a ticket at the price of 5 euros.
