Monastery of Santa María de Melón, Cistercian monastery in Melón, Spain
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Melon is a Cistercian complex centered on a rectangular church featuring a prominent tower at the crossing of its main and side aisles. The building employs cross vaults and quarter-sphere vaults throughout, creating a sturdy architectural framework.
The monastery was founded in 1142 by monks from the French abbey of Clairvaux, bringing their traditions and building practices to northwestern Spain. Over the following centuries, it grew into one of the most important religious centers in medieval Galicia.
The monastery served as a spiritual center where monks shaped the religious life of the surrounding region for centuries. This place held deep meaning for local communities who depended on its spiritual guidance.
Visiting the monastery requires advance planning and prior contact to arrange your tour. Reach out directly to confirm visiting hours and to book any guided tour you may want.
A significant portion of the original three-aisle Romanesque church survives to this day within the complex. This preserved section displays original features like transepts with semicircular chapels and an ambulatory supported by columns that stand freely.
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