Monasterio de Santa María de Valdediós facts for kids
The Monastery of Santa María de Valdediós is a very old and beautiful building in Spain. It was built in the 13th century. This special place is a Cistercian monastery, which means it was once home to a group of monks called Cistercians. They lived, worked, and prayed there.
The monastery is located near a town called Villaviciosa in the region of Asturias. This area is on the northern coast of Spain, right by the Biscay Bay. It's a really important historical site. In fact, it's considered a "Site of Cultural Interest," which is the highest level of protection for old buildings in Spain.
Inside the monastery grounds, you can find the Iglesia de Santa María (Valdediós). Right next to the monastery is another old church called the Church of San Salvador de Valdediós. The name "Valdediós" is Spanish and means "God's valley" in English.
History of Valdediós
When the Monastery Began
The Monastery of Santa María de Valdediós was officially started a long, long time ago. It opened its doors on November 27, 1200. The stone buildings you see today were constructed in a style known as Spanish Gothic. This style was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It features tall arches, pointed windows, and strong stone walls.
A Big Flood
Life at the monastery wasn't always easy. In the year 1522, the area experienced a very large flood. The waters from the nearby Valdediós river rose high and caused damage to the monastery. Despite this challenge, the monastery has stood strong for centuries.
Explore More
- Official Monastery of Santa María de Valdediós website: http://www.monasteriovaldedios.com/
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María de Valdediós para niños
