San Antón monastery, Cistercian monastery ruins in Castrojeriz, Spain
San Antón is a monastery ruin in Castrojeriz distinguished by its 16th-century portico featuring two arches with carved decorations framing the church entrance. The structure shows the essential elements of Cistercian design, with functional niches built into the stone archway to serve travelers.
Founded in 1146 by King Alfonso VII, the monastery underwent significant transformation when King Pedro I of Castile repurposed it as a royal residence. The Antonian order subsequently took over and devoted the site to their religious mission.
This monastery served pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago by providing shelter and supplies during their long journey. The storage niches built into the portico show how the community organized food distribution for travelers passing through.
The monastery sits directly on the pilgrim route and is easy to reach on foot when walking through Castrojeriz. Visitors should know this is a ruin best viewed from the outside, as interior access to the structure is not possible.
The monastery gained recognition for treating Saint Anthony's Fire, a disease caused by contaminated grain that affected medieval travelers and local residents. Monks performed their medical care in the church, which had multiple naves designed to accommodate patients seeking healing.
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