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Veruela Monastery

Welcome to the Monastery of Veruela

The Monastery of Veruela, also known as Real Monasterio de Santa María de Veruela, is a Cistercian abbey dating from the 12th century. Located near Vera de Moncayo, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain, it was founded in 1146 by Pedro de Atarés.

This monastery is a historical testament to the medieval wars in the Aragon region. The Cistercian monks enriched the region not only spiritually and culturally, but also economically and politically. Prayer and work were the pillars of their lives, and they developed an extensive network of ditches, dams, and mills thanks to their expertise in water resource management. Construction of the monastery began in 1145, and it took 250 years to complete the church, which has the dimensions of a cathedral. The Levantine Gothic cloister, the capitals decorated with plants, and other outbuildings bear witness to the life of the Cistercians in Veruela. The Veruela Monastery was abandoned in 1835, but it remains a place steeped in history and inspiration, particularly for the friars Gustavo Adolfo and Valeriano Bécquer who stayed there.
This place also inspired Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, who wrote "Letters from My Cell" there.
Today, the monastery is open to visitors year-round. You can explore the various rooms, from the refectory to the monks' room, and immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this exceptional place. If you have the opportunity to visit, I encourage you to do so.

Things to see at the Veruela Monastery:

The Veruela Monastery, nestled at the foot of Moncayo in the province of Zaragoza, is a true 12th-century Cistercian treasure. Here’s everything you need to know:

🏰 Architecture and monastic spaces

  • The abbey church : sober but majestic, it took 250 years to build. It impresses with its dimensions close to a cathedral.
  • The Levantine Gothic cloister : decorated with plant capitals typical of Cistercian art.
  • The chapter house : a place of decision and meditation, today populated by silent tombs.
  • The refectory : the monks ate there in silence while a reader recited sacred texts.
  • The scriptorium : where monks copied and illustrated manuscripts.
  • The calefactorium : heated room for elderly monks, rare in Cistercian monasteries.

🌿 Outdoor spaces

  • The Stone Garden : a haven of peace surrounded by monastic outbuildings.
  • The surrounding wall : a kilometer long, it protected an entire self-sufficient microcosm with mill, water and vegetable garden.
  • The tree-lined promenade : leads to the entrance of the monastery, perfect for getting into the mood.

📚 Culture and history

  • Wine Museum : dedicated to the D.O. Campo de Borja, it offers a sensory immersion in the world of wine.
  • Temporary exhibitions : often linked to art, nature or local history.
  • Memory of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer : the famous romantic poet stayed there in 1863 and wrote his Letters from his cell.

🎶 Activities and events

  • Concerts, conferences, workshops and guided tours are regularly organized, in a setting conducive to contemplation and culture.