Antiguo Monasterio de la Cartuja de la Inmaculada Concepción, 15th century monastery in Cazalla de la Sierra, Spain.
The Antiguo Monasterio de la Cartuja de la Inmaculada Concepción is a Gothic-Mudejar complex set within a large estate dotted with buildings and courtyards. The site displays a blend of European and Oriental architectural influences that shaped monasteries of this era.
The monastery was founded in 1503 as a dependent house of the Seville Charterhouse, with Bartolomé Guerrero serving as its first prior. It grew to become an important economic and religious center within the broader Carthusian network.
The monastery became known for producing Cazalla aniseed spirits, blending Arab distillation methods with local production practices over several centuries. The creation of this liqueur shaped the economic and cultural identity of the surrounding region.
The site is located outside the village, so visiting by car or joining a guided tour is advisable for comfortable access. The complex spreads across a large property, so plan for enough time to walk through the grounds.
Since 1990, the complex houses a contemporary culture center featuring over 100 artworks throughout its buildings and gardens. This transformation brings modern art and creativity into dialogue with the site's spiritual heritage.
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