Monasterio San José del Monte de Las Batuecas, Las Mestas

Historia

The monks can trace a glorious 400-year history but perhaps the monastery’s most famous personality was Padre José María del Monte Carmelo, also known as El Cadete (the Cadet). A soldier, he abandoned military life and retreated from the world. Whenever time allowed, he would seclude himself in the trunk of a hollow tree that he had fashioned into a small room and spend hours in solitary meditation.

During the religious suppressions, the monks were forced to leave the institution and the buildings were abandoned for 80 years. When the monks returned, they could no longer live in the original facility and had to build a new one. Part of the old church has been restored and turned into a small chapel.

Comida y bebida

All meals are supplied.

Terrenos y jardines

The monastery is in a deep green valley of the Sierra de Francia, a chain of hills and mountains whose peak is occupied by the famous Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia

Otras instalaciones

Towels and linens are supplied