Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo |
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Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholic Church |
| Region | Aragon |
| Location | |
| Location | Huesca |
| Country | Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Romanesque |
| Founder | Order of Saint Benedict |
| Date established | 12th century |
The Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo (which means "Saint Peter the Old" in Spanish) is a very old Benedictine monastery. It is located in the historic town of Huesca, in the Aragon region of Spain. This special building has been around for many centuries and is a key example of old Spanish architecture.
Contents
History of the Abbey
How Old is San Pedro el Viejo?
The main part of the abbey you see today was built by Benedictine monks in the 12th century. The name "San Pedro el Viejo" was given because the original monastery building was even older. It was built before the Moors came to Spain.
A National Treasure
This abbey is very important. It has been a national monument since 1886. This means it is a protected historical site. It is also one of the most important buildings that shows Romanesque architecture in the Aragon region. In 2017, the abbey celebrated its 900th birthday!
The Royal Pantheon
One of the most interesting parts of the abbey is the former chapter room. This room became the Chapel of San Benito, also known as the Royal Pantheon. A "pantheon" is a place where important people are buried. Here, you can find the tombs of two kings of Aragon: Alfonso I, who was known as "the Battler," and his brother and successor, Ramiro II, who was called "the Monk."
Architecture and Art
What Does the Abbey Look Like?
The Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo has two main parts: the church and the cloister. A "cloister" is a covered walkway, usually with arches, that surrounds an open courtyard in a monastery. It's a peaceful place for monks to walk and think.
Inside the Church
The church itself has three main sections, called "naves," and rounded ends called "apses." The main altarpiece inside the church is made of colorful wood. It was created by an artist named Juan de Ali in the early 17th century.
The chapels around the church also have some amazing artwork from different time periods:
- Altarpiece of the Virgin of Hope: This piece is from the 16th century and shows the Renaissance art style.
- Altarpiece of Saints Just and Pastor: This one is from the 17th century and is in the Baroque style.
- Altarpiece of the Annunciation: This artwork dates back to the 15th-16th centuries and is an example of Gothic art.
- Murals: You can also see murals (wall paintings) from the 13th century.
- Choir Stalls: The church has beautiful wooden seats for the choir, which were made in the 17th century.
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In Culture
The Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo has even appeared in books! The famous Spanish author Javier Sierra featured the abbey prominently in his novel The Invisible Fire ("El fuego invisible"). This book even won a major literary award, the Premio Planeta de Novela.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo (Huesca) para niños
