The Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona, founded in the 12th century, is the most important female Cistercian monastery in Catalonia and has been a center of spirituality, culture, and art for over 850 years. Its origins date back to groups of hermits who, under the guidance of Ramon de Vallbona, adopted the Rule of Saint Benedict. In 1175, the community became exclusively female and joined the Cistercian Order under the leadership of Abbess Oria Ramírez, who came from the monastery of Tulebras in Navarre. Unlike other Cistercian monasteries, Vallbona has continuously housed a community of nuns since its foundation.
The monastery’s architecture reflects the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. The church is home to the tombs of notable queens, including Violant of Hungary, wife of James I of Aragon. The cloister, though unfinished, showcases a beautiful blend of Gothic and Romanesque elements, with pointed arches and finely sculpted capitals. Other important areas include the chapter house, the refectory, and the library, which has been a center of knowledge since the Middle Ages.
- Address
Carrer Major, s/n, Vallbona de les Monges, Lleida - Web
https://www.monestirvallbona.cat/en/ - Visiting Hours
On the website, they may change according to the Monastery’s needs - What to see
Cloister, Church
