Convento del Santo Desierto de San José de Rigada, Carmelite monastery in Ribamontán al Monte, Spain
The Convento del Santo Desierto de San José de Rigada is a monastery with a long rectangular facade facing south, incorporating palace-like architectural elements. Two Baroque mansions are connected by a central chapel at its core.
The monastery developed from two Baroque mansions, with the first constructed in the late 1600s. The second palace was added later, reflecting how the complex grew and evolved over time.
The facade displays family coats of arms from local nobility, including the Cagigal, Alonso, Vega, and Acebedo families. These heraldic symbols show how powerful families shaped the character of this place.
The monastery remains an active religious community home to Discalced Carmelites who continue to live there today. It sits along the road between Hoz de Anero and Villaverde de Pontones, making it accessible to visitors.
The second palace was completed in 1754 and was designed to look like a noble residence rather than a traditional monastery. Architect Andrés Julián de Mazarrasa built it with worldly palace features instead of religious architectural traditions.
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