Abbey of Santa Engracia facts for kids
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The Abbey of Santa Engracia (Spanish: Real Monasterio de Santa Engracia) was a very old monastery in Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. It was built to keep the special items (called relics) of Saint Engratia and other martyrs from Zaragoza. People believed it was founded in the year 392, linked to the travels of Saint Paulinus. The church was thought to be built exactly where Saint Engratia was martyred.
Sadly, most of the monastery was destroyed during the Peninsular War when Napoleon Bonaparte's army attacked Zaragoza in 1808 and 1809. Today, only the crypt (an underground room) and a small part of the front wall remain. These parts are now kept safe within the Church of Santa Engracia de Zaragoza. The monastery was famous for its beautiful Isabelline and Renaissance designs.
A Look Back: The Abbey's Story
After the "Peace of Constantine," which allowed Christians to practice their faith freely, a monastery was built over the tomb of the martyrs. Some people believe Saint Paulinus started it when he visited Zaragoza in 392. The monks living there might have first followed the rules of Saint Augustine, then later switched to the Benedictine Rule.
The monastery became very important in the 7th century. Two famous church leaders, Eugenius II of Toledo and John of Zaragoza, came from this abbey. John's brother, Braulio of Zaragoza, also supported and protected the abbey. Even when Muslims ruled the area, the monks continued their work.
In 1063, during a meeting called the Synod of Jaca, the Bishop of Zaragoza gave the monastery of Santa Engracia to the bishopric of Huesca. This was confirmed again by Pope Gregory VII in 1121. For four centuries, the monastery was run by a prior, who later became known as an archdeacon.
In 1389, workers digging found the bodies of Saint Engratia and Lupercus. They were in two small spaces (called niches) with their names written on them. People believe that Mozarabs (Christians living under Muslim rule) might have re-buried them there.
Devotion to Saint Engratia grew a lot because of King John II of Aragon, also known as "the Great." He believed he was cured of his eye problems (cataracts) by a miraculous nail from her martyrdom. Because of this, he made his son, Ferdinand II of Aragon, promise to rebuild the monastery. Ferdinand then founded a monastery for Hieronymite monks there. In 1493, on Saint Engratia's day, the monks moved in, and special church services were held with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella present.
Around 1755, the building was repaired by an architect named Juan Morlanes. This work was paid for by Don Clemente Sánchez de Orellana y Riofrío, who gave 2,500 ducats.
Sadly, much of the old Gothic building was destroyed on the night of August 14, 1808. This happened because of huge explosions during Napoleon's second attack on Zaragoza.
What the Abbey Looked Like
One of the most famous parts of the church was its altarpiece and the chapel of Antonio Agustín. This work was carefully made by the famous artist Berruguete. Near Agustín's tomb was that of the writer Jerónimo de Zurita.
The monastery's cloister (an open area surrounded by covered walkways) had a grand gallery. It featured large marble columns and beautiful sculptures and paintings by skilled artists. The tomb of Jerónimo de Blancas, a chronicler of Aragon, was also here. The main altarpiece and other paintings in the church were done by Francisco Bayeu.
After the destruction, all that remained was the famous front wall. It was made of marble and alabaster in the Plateresque style. It is believed to be the work of Diego Morlanes, the son of the original sculptor, Juan.
Images for kids
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Monastery of Santa Engracia before the French Sieges.
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Ruins of a courtyard of Santa Engracia (1808-1813) by Fernando Brambila and Juan Gálvez.
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See Also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa Engracia (Zaragoza) para niños
- Church of Santa Engracia de Zaragoza
- List of missing landmarks in Spain
