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The monastery is outside the town of La Alberca. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, its streets are lined with overhanging, half-timbered houses which lend the town an air of antiquity. The monasteries accommodation has 40 double rooms with private baths. The guest house is open year round.
The monastery was built on the site where images of Mary, Santiago, San Andres and Jesus were discovered in 1437. They were probably buried by Christians during the Arab invasions but once found were considered miraculous and therefore worshipped by the local populace. Since Mary’s image was considered the most important, the monastery was named after it. Like Catalonia’s Virgin of Montserrat, the Madonna is black. Stolen in 1872, it was recovered a few years later in a severely damaged state. In 1900, a replica was made to replace the original. The Capilla de la Blanca was erected in 1767 to commemorate the site where the images were found. The imposing structure, decorated with Tuscan-style pilasters, contains a bas-relief relating the story of the images. Until a few years ago, the monastery ran a small guest house to accommodate pilgrims to the shrine. Since that time, the facility has been completely renovated into a three-star hotel managed by a lay company.
All meals can be provided at an additional cost.
The hospedería is a three-star hotel. Towels and linens are provided. All rooms have TV, minibar and telephone. There is private parking, restaurants and a cafe as well as conference rooms, a sauna, garden, gym and facilities for the handicapped.
By car: From Salamanca take route 630 south to Béjar and head east on SA515 following the signs to La Alberca and then to the monastery.
By train: Public transportation to the monastery is not available. Most guests arrive by chartered bus or by car.
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