Monastery of Santa María de Palazuelos

Monastery of Santa Maria de Palazuelos is a medieval church structure located in the Corcos valley with three interior spaces separated by columns. The surviving sections display the original design with curved vaults, rounded arches, and carved decorative capitals throughout.

The monastery was founded in 1213 and gradually shifted from following Benedictine practices to becoming a Cistercian abbey. This transformation reflected the growing influence of the Cistercian order within medieval Spanish religious communities.

The monastery was an important religious gathering place where monks came together for prayer and study. It reflects the spiritual role that Cistercian communities held in medieval Castilian religious life.

The site is open for visitors to explore the remaining church sections and medieval structural elements at their own pace. Early morning or midday visits offer better lighting to see the carved details and arches clearly.

Beyond serving as a prayer site, the monastery functioned as a major meeting venue where leaders of the Cistercian Congregation gathered for important assemblies. This dual role as both spiritual center and administrative headquarters made it distinctive among other abbeys.