Pedralbes Monastery
The Pedralbes Monastery (Monestir de Pedralbes) is a 14th century convent of the Order of St Clare. The calm and tranquillity within the monastery creates an atmosphere in stark contrast to the bustling city of Barcelona outside. The whole convent is like a living museum, and the building itself is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in the city. This unique attraction is well worth a visit when staying in our self-catering Barcelona apartments.
The monastery was founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada and has been administered by the nuns of the Order of Saint Clare ever since. The convent was originally built in the village of Sarrià which, at the time, was located outside the city of Barcelona.
Today, visitors from our self-catering Barcelona apartments can enter the monastery and explore the spectacular three-tier cloister. Not all of the rooms within the monastery are open to the public, but access is given to the refectory, the chapterhouse, some of the nuns' day cells and the abbey. The tomb of Queen Elisenda can be seen in one of the rooms, while the small St. Michael's chapel is a fascinating sight with its frescoes which date from 1343.
The monastery also has its own museum which is housed in the former dormitory. Everyday items, many dating from the 14th century, are on display here as well as some fine examples of religious art.
Equally spectacular are the gardens in the convent courtyard. Standing in these gardens, you can easily forget that you are in the midst of a bustling city. This green and shaded area, with its gently gurgling fountain is a truly serene spot, the only sound being that of the singing birds. If staying in our self-catering Barcelona apartments during the summer, a visit to the monastery and its shady gardens is a great way to escape the midday heat.
The Pedralbes Monastery can be found at Baixada del Monestir 19 in the Les Corts district of Barcelona. It is easy to get to the monastery from all of our self-catering Barcelona apartments: L6 ferrocarrils run to Reina Elisenda station and buses 22, 63, 64, 75 and 114 all stop nearby.
The monastery is closed on Mondays but opens from 10.00am until 2.00pm every other day. Entry to the monastery costs €4.00 for adults, €2.00 for anyone between 16 and 25 and is free for visitors of 16 years or less. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
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