Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla

The Monasteries of San Millán de la Cogolla consist of two separate establishments, Suso and Yuso, located at different elevations within the Cárdenas River valley. Both display Gothic and Baroque architectural features in their construction.

The older monastery of Suso originated in the sixth century as a hermitage and later developed into a religious center during the medieval period. The construction of Yuso followed afterward, with both sites continuously expanded and rebuilt over time.

The manuscripts housed here show some of the earliest written records of the Spanish language, with the Glosas Emilianenses revealing how people documented their speech in the medieval period.

Visitors should plan ahead since guided tours of both monasteries require reservations in advance. A car is the best way to reach the site from nearby cities in the La Rioja region.

The Yuso monastery functions as an active religious center while simultaneously offering accommodation, allowing guests to stay within its historic walls. This unusual arrangement gives visitors a chance to experience monastic life firsthand.

Location: San Millán de la Cogolla

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Website: http://monasteriodesanmillan.com

GPS coordinates: 42.32583,-2.86505

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04