Monasterio de San Juan de Poio

History

It is believed that the large complex was originally founded in the 7th century in light of the religious communities established by St. Fructuoso, a member of the Visigothic royal family. Tradition holds that the saint caused a sensation by walking across the water to the islet of Tambo to rescue a sinking boat. The oldest part of the church contains the tomb of another Galician saint, Santa Trahamunda. According to legend, her body floated to Galicia in a stone boat from Córdoba clutching an Andalusian palm tree. It was believed that she could cure deafness.

The Monastery of Poio dates to the high Middle Ages when it was in the hands of the Benedictine Order. Documents dated 942 reveal that a Benedictine monastery existed at Poio at the time the countryside was being resettled in the 10th century.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, under the protection of the Spanish monarchs, the monastery flourished and grew in importance. Endowments of estates and rural manors greatly increased and were entrusted to the Benedictine monks. The monastery reached its acme in the 16th and 17th centuries when it was enlarged and enriched by many works of art.

Food & beverage

All meals can be included with the lodging.

Other facilities

Towels and linens are supplied. Conference rooms, cafeteria, restaurant, TV room and chapel are available for guest use. The monastery organizes exhibitions, concerts and courses during the summer months.