Monastery of San Isidro de Loriana, Gothic monastery in Mérida, Spain.
The Monastery of San Isidro de Loriana stands near the Loriana river in Mérida municipality, constructed from slate, masonry, brick, and granite stones. The chapel extends 12 meters long and divides into three sections, with a raised choir and an attached square apse beside the cloister buildings.
Founded in 1551 by Fray Alonso del Manzanete, the monastery relocated to higher ground in 1605. The move addressed persistent moisture damage caused by its original location near the river.
The layout follows Franciscan principles with a small cloister where granite columns support rounded arches around a central courtyard. This arrangement reflects how monastic communities organized their daily life and work around a shared interior space.
Visit with caution as the site requires urgent preservation work and stands on the Red List of Endangered Heritage. Check local conditions and accessibility before planning your visit to ensure your safety.
The building displays visible signs of water damage and structural deterioration that tell the story of its struggle with its original location. These physical marks remain evidence of the persistent challenges that led to its relocation centuries ago.
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