Places in Spain - The Monastery at Guadalupe, Extremadura
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The Monastery of Guadalupe looks as good on the outside as it does inside. It has a three storey Gothic cloister as well as a large Mudejar cloister with horseshoe-shaped arches. In the centre of the Mudejar cloister is a temple-shaped fountain house in the centre.
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Tours of the Monastery begin with the museums containing illuminated manuscripts and works of art. The Baroque sacristy is the most splendid in the Monastery. It has eight paintings of monks by Zurbaran hanging on the walls.
The Monastery church is entered through large bronze doors carved with Bible scenes. The statue of the Virgin Mary and her baby are in a tiny room above the altar. The Virgin is dressed in jewelled robes and is one of the few black virgins to be carved. |
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| The monastery has its origins in the 13th century and has always been one of the most important monasteries in Spain. Christopher Columbus visited in 1492 after discovering America. In 1474 henry IV of Castile was entombed here next to his mother. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
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Video of Guadalupe
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The monastery can be seen from a distance as you approach Guadalupe. It dominates the landscape of the town. It is located in the main plaza with a large flight of steps leading from the road.
Opening hours
9.30am - 1.00pm and 3.30pm - 6.30pm |
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| You can stay the night in the monastery as there is a two star Hospederia at the back. Idealspain stayed here in September 2010. We found that this hotel in Guadalupe was excellent value for money. Double rooms were just 65 euros per night. Breakfast was available at just 6.50. The hotel offers clean and large rooms in a wonderful setting. There is car parking outside the hotel; drive through the plaza and follow the road around the monastery to get there. The Hospederia Real Monasterio can be contacted on 927 367 000. The address is Plaza Juan Carlos 1, Guadalupe, 10140, Caceres. |
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