Monasterio de las Benedictinas, Renaissance monastery in Jaca, Spain.
Monasterio de las Benedictinas is a Renaissance-style monastery located next to the Romanesque church of San Ginés in Jaca. The building offers views of the medieval walls surrounding the city while displaying architectural elements from multiple periods.
King Philip II ordered the relocation of Benedictine nuns from Santa María de Santa Cruz de la Serós to this location in 1555. This move marked an important moment in establishing religious communities in the northern Spanish region.
The sarcophagus of Doña Sancha, daughter of Ramiro I of Aragón, displays finely carved scenes with knights and biblical figures. This ornate work reflects the spiritual importance the Benedictine community placed on commemorating royal family members.
The monastery remains active as a residence for the Benedictine nuns and allows visitors to explore the spaces during open hours. The best time to visit is in the morning when natural light highlights the Renaissance details and intricate interior work.
Angels carrying Doña Sancha's soul to heaven appear on her sarcophagus, an uncommon iconographic detail from this era. The tomb also houses the remains of her sisters, preserving family bonds and the influence of this royal lineage in Aragonese history.
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