Monastery of San Pelayo, Romanesque monastery in Oviedo, Spain
The Monastery of San Pelayo is a Benedictine monastery in Oviedo with a single-nave church built between 1592 and 1600, featuring three molded doors on its facade. The three-story cloister is supported by Tuscan columns and displays Gothic tracery details that echo the nearby Cathedral's design.
The monastery was founded in the 10th century under the patronage of Teresa Ansúez and received its current name after the remains of Saint Pelayo arrived there during medieval times. However, the church and cloister took their present form between the 16th and 17th centuries.
The monastery displays a notable collection of 16th-century wood carvings, including 36 choir seats with depictions of kings and emperors. These works speak through their detailed craftsmanship about the place's importance to the medieval ruling class.
The monastery is located in central Oviedo and currently serves as a historical archive, so visits are possible by prior appointment. It is advisable to arrange access in advance and check the opening times of the facility.
The cloister features Gothic arrow towers that echo the nearby Cathedral's design, creating a subtle architectural connection between the two monuments that often goes unnoticed. These details are less well-known than the main church itself.
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