Monasterio de Santa María la Real, Cistercian monastery in Sacramenia, Spain.
Monasterio de Santa María la Real is a Cistercian monastery near Segovia built with a Latin cross layout, three naves, and ribbed vaulting throughout. The complex preserves the characteristic arrangement of medieval monastic communities with distinct areas for prayer, work, and daily life.
King Alfonso VII founded the monastery in 1141, bringing French monks to settle and establish the community. This royal donation granted them exceptional privileges including exemptions from tolls and grazing rights across the region.
The monastery reflects the influence of French builders who arrived with the monks and shaped its architectural character. Walking through, you notice how this heritage appears in the stonework and vaulting techniques.
The complex remains in private ownership, but the church can be visited on certain days. Check ahead about visiting hours, as access is limited and depends on the owner's schedule.
In 1925, sections of the monastery were dismantled and sold to be shipped to Miami, where the stones became part of another building. These medieval stones still carry their original craftsmanship, though now they stand on another continent.
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