Monastery of San Juan de Duero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monastery of San Juan de Duero |
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| Native name Spanish: Monasterio de San Juan de Duero |
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| Location | Soria, Spain |
| Official name: Monasterio de San Juan de Duero | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1882 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000032 |
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The Monastery of San Juan de Duero (in Spanish: Monasterio de San Juan de Duero) is an old monastery in Soria, Spain. It is mostly in ruins today, but its history is very interesting. This medieval building once belonged to a group of knights called the Knights Hospitaller.
The Knights Hospitaller were a Christian military order. They were like a mix of monks and soldiers. They cared for sick people and protected pilgrims. This monastery was an important part of their work long ago.
The Spanish government has protected the monastery since 1882. It is known as a Bien de Interés Cultural. This means it is a very important historical site. It is like a national treasure.
Contents
History of the Monastery
The Monastery of San Juan de Duero was built a very long time ago. It dates back to the 12th century. This was during the Middle Ages. It was a time when knights and castles were common.
Who Built San Juan de Duero?
The Knights Hospitaller built this monastery. They were also known as the Order of Saint John. They built many hospitals and churches. This monastery was one of their important places.
Why Was It Built Here?
Soria was an important city in medieval Spain. It was near a river called the Duero. The monastery was built close to the river. This made it a good place for the knights.
What the Monastery Looks Like Now
Today, the Monastery of San Juan de Duero is mostly ruins. But you can still see many parts of it. The most famous part is its beautiful cloister. A cloister is a covered walkway. It usually surrounds an open courtyard.
The Unique Cloister
The cloister at San Juan de Duero is very special. It has a mix of different styles. You can see Romanesque and Islamic art. This mix shows the history of Spain. It was a place where different cultures met.
Romanesque Style Details
The Romanesque style uses round arches. It also has thick walls. You can see these features in the cloister. The columns are simple and strong. They show the early medieval building style.
Islamic Art Influence
Some parts of the cloister look like Islamic art. They have pointed arches. There are also detailed patterns. This style is called Mudejar. It was created by Muslim artists in Christian Spain.
The Church Building
Next to the cloister is the church. Only parts of the church walls remain. It was a simple church. It had a single nave. This means it had one main hall.
Chapels and Tombs
Inside the church, there were chapels. These were small prayer rooms. Some important people were buried here. Their tombs are still visible. They tell stories of the past.
Why Visit San Juan de Duero?
The Monastery of San Juan de Duero is a popular place to visit. It is a great example of medieval architecture. It also shows how different cultures influenced Spain. It is a quiet and peaceful place.
Learning About History
Visiting the monastery helps you learn. You can imagine life in the Middle Ages. You can see how knights lived. It is like stepping back in time.
A Place for Art and Beauty
The cloister is very beautiful. Its unique arches are a work of art. Photographers love to capture its beauty. It is a place where history and art meet.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de San Juan de Duero para niños
