Monasterio San Pedro de Cardeña

History

After King Alfonso VI banished El Cid from the territory of Castile, the Spanish hero led his family to safety within the confines of San Pedro de Cardeña. The monastery once contained the remains of El Cid and his wife Jimena, but for safety's sake, they were moved to the cathedral in Burgos. The original tombs housing their effigies reside in the chapel of the Cloister of Martyrs, regarded as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Spain.

An important stop along the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, the monastery is also the site of a famous massacre; two hundred Benedictines were beheaded during a 10th-century Moorish raid. Tradition holds that the statue of Mary shed blood tears. The devoted continue to visit the monastery to see the miraculous statue.

At the time of the religious suppressions (1835), the Benedictine monks were forced to leave. During the civil war, the monastery was used as a concentration camp by the Francoists. In 1942, the Cistercian/Trappist monks restarted the institution and have continued in residence since that time. The monastery’s troubled history is evident in the dissimilar architecture. Years of suppression also caused serious damage to the buildings. Nevertheless, the simple Gothic church and the 16th century exterior of the complex are still lovely. The sacristy has a Renaissance lavabo by Diego De Siloé.

Food & beverage

All meals are included with the lodging

Other facilities

Towels and linens are supplied.