Monasterio de Santa Cristina, Romanesque monastery in Caxide, Parada de Sil, Spain
Monasterio de Santa Cristina is a Romanesque monastery set within a chestnut grove near Parada de Sil. The church features a Latin cross layout with three semicircular apses and a distinctive bell tower positioned on the north wall.
The monastery was founded in the 10th century as a Benedictine community. In the 16th century, its status shifted and it came under the authority of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil.
The entrance displays carved capitals with leaf patterns characteristic of Romanesque design. Inside, different artistic periods have left their marks on the spaces, creating layers of cultural expression throughout the building.
Access is via a marked trail near the Parada de Sil town hall, requiring a short walk through the surrounding landscape. The path is straightforward on foot and leads directly to the monastery entrance.
The monastery sits within a chestnut forest where monks historically cultivated chestnuts and grapes to support the local economy. This agricultural work defined the community's role and connection to the surrounding region for centuries.
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