Monastery of Sant Cugat

Monastery of Sant Cugat is a Benedictine complex with a church holding the remains of an early saint and defended by fortification walls. The cloister forms its core, where paired columns support a square gallery lined with sculpted stone capitals displaying religious imagery and medieval scenes.

The monastery began in the ninth century, building upon an earlier church from the fifth century that housed an early Christian saint. The complex developed into a significant religious and defended stronghold throughout the medieval period.

The cloister displays capitals carved with religious scenes that reflect the spiritual world of the monks who lived here. These stone sculptures show how medieval craftsmen expressed their faith through detailed images of saints and biblical moments.

The site is open to visitors with audio guides available in multiple languages to help explore the buildings and cloister. Plan your visit for early morning hours when the space is quieter and the stone details are lit more clearly.

The medieval stoneworker Arnau Cadell left his name carved into one of the cloister capitals and depicted himself at work. This personal signature is a rare medieval reminder of the craftspeople who built these sacred spaces.

Location: Sant Cugat del Vallès

Inception: 9 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.47425,2.08546

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:50