Monastery of la Murta, Gothic monastery in Alzira, Spain.
Monastery of la Murta is a Gothic monastery in Alzira, in the Valencian region of Spain, built across a valley surrounded by orange groves and low hills. Of the original complex, mostly ruins and walls remain today, along with the El Palomo tower, which is the only structure still largely standing.
The monastery was founded in 1401 when a nobleman named Arnau de Serra granted land in this valley to the Hieronymite order. After more than four centuries of active monastic life, it was abandoned in 1835 as part of a broader process of state seizure of church properties across Spain.
The name "la Murta" comes from the myrtle plant, which once grew abundantly around the site and is still found in the surrounding vegetation today. Visitors walking through the grounds can spot these low shrubs alongside the orange trees that now define the valley.
The site sits in a valley outside Alzira and is best reached on foot or by private vehicle, as there is parking nearby. A morning visit works well since temperatures are cooler and the light falls more directly on the ruins and the tower.
Although the monastery has been abandoned for nearly 200 years, a well from the monastic period still stands in the valley and is used by walkers passing through. This simple stone structure is a reminder that the monks managed the water sources of the valley for their daily needs.
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