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Old Bishop's Hospital Courtesy - Ayuntamiento de Navatrasierra

Ancient Bishop’s Hospital

The old Hospital del Obispo, located in the Hospital Valley near Navatrasierra, was an important refuge for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Guadalupe. Originally founded as a venta by order of Pedro I the Cruel in 1360, the hospital served to protect travelers crossing barren and dangerous mountains. The building, which may have been a hunting lodge for King Alfonso XI, was enlarged at the end of the 15th century by the canon of Sigüenza, Don Diego de Muros, from whom it takes its name. Later, the Bishop of Cuba, Don Juan del Castillo, endowed the hospital with rents to offer bread to pilgrims.

The Episcopal Hospital reached its greatest splendor in the 15th and 16th centuries, coinciding with the rise of the Monastery of Guadalupe. In the 18th century, however, it fell into decline, although it still provided some relief to the poor. In the 19th century, the building passed into private hands and was used as a Civil Guard barracks. Recently, part of the hospital has been restored, preserving the small chapel and the original façade. This historic place has been visited by illustrious figures such as the Catholic Monarchs, Christopher Columbus and Miguel de Cervantes on their pilgrimage to Guadalupe.

 

 

  • Address
    Villar del Pedroso, Cáceres
  • Web
    None
  • Visiting Hours
    Always open
  • What to see
    Ruins of an importan pilgrim’s hospital

This post is also available in: Español Italiano

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