Monastery of Santa María de Sandoval

The monastery features three naves, three semicircular apses, and a Latin cross layout combining Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements throughout its construction.

Founded in 1171 by Count Ponce de Minerva and Estefanía Ramírez, the monastery received numerous royal donations until its abandonment during the 1835 Mendizábal confiscation.

The monastery exhibits Cistercian architectural principles with unadorned capitals, smooth columns, and a cloister attached to the church's southern wall.

The church section continues to function as a parish, offering occasional liturgical services while other parts of the complex remain in partial ruins.

The monastery houses a Limoges reliquary box, now preserved in the National Archaeological Museum, representing medieval French craftsmanship.

Location: Mansilla Mayor

Inception: 1171

Founders: Ponce de Minerva, Estefanía Ramírez

Part of: Way of Saint James in the province of León

GPS coordinates: 42.49939,-5.45933

Latest update: May 15, 2025 15:17