Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe, Gothic monastery in Guadalupe, Spain
The Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe is a large stone building with eight defensive towers, two cloisters, and several chapels arranged around a central basilica. The complex blends Gothic and Moorish styles, with museums and art collections filling different sections of the structure.
The monastery was founded in 1389 when monks discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in the area and chose to establish a religious center here. Over centuries, it grew into one of the most important monastic communities on the Iberian Peninsula.
The monastery's name comes from a statue of the Virgin Mary that drew pilgrims from across the region seeking spiritual connection and prayer. This devotion shaped the place as a center where visitors came not just to pray, but to experience something sacred within these stone walls.
You can visit daily and explore the cloisters, basilica, and museum rooms on your own or join guided tours available in multiple languages. Comfortable shoes are helpful since exploring the different areas of this large complex involves stairs and walking through various sections.
Christopher Columbus visited the monastery after his first voyage to the Americas, offering thanks here for his expedition's success. This connection to the discovery of the New World made the place a historic point in European exploration.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
