Antiguo Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa María de las Cuevas, Gothic monastery in Isla de la Cartuja, Spain
The Antigua Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa María de las Cuevas is a monastery with Gothic architecture located on Isla de la Cartuja in Seville. It contains multiple courtyards with arcades, a chapel with ornate stonework, planted gardens with mature trees, and windows decorated with detailed patterns.
The monastery was founded in the late 14th century and housed Carthusian monks for over four centuries. Its religious use ended in the early 1800s when the site was converted into a ceramics workshop.
The name refers to the Carthusian monks who once lived here and followed their contemplative way of life. Visitors can sense how these monks structured their days around prayer and work in the surviving spaces.
The grounds are quite large with multiple buildings, so allow time to explore without rushing. Visitors should plan for a leisurely pace to experience the courtyards, gardens, and exhibition spaces at their own speed.
This place has a strong connection to Christopher Columbus, who prepared his second voyage to the Americas here. After his death, his remains were temporarily kept in one of the monastery's chapels.
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