Monastery of San Vicente de Oviedo facts for kids
San Vicente de Oviedo is an old church and monastery located in the city of Oviedo, Spain. Its beginning is recorded in a special document from 761. This document, called the Monastic Pact of Oviedo, is very important. A copy made in the 12th century is thought to be the earliest paper about the monarchy of the Kingdom of Asturias. However, some people wonder if this document is completely true. This is because the monastery, also known as Antealtares, isn't mentioned again until 969.
Contents
The Start of San Vicente
According to a document from 781, the monastery began twenty years earlier, in 761. Two monks, Máximo and Fromestano, started a church. They built it in a place called Oveto, which later grew into the city of Oviedo. Many people see Fromestano and Máximo as the founders of both the city and the church.
How the Monastery Began
Fromestano himself described how the church was founded in the 781 document. He said:
I, Frómista (Fromestano), have been an abbot for twenty years. My nephew Máximo, who is also a monk, and I settled here. This place was empty and nobody lived here. We built a church to honor Saint Vincent, who was a martyr of Christ and a deacon.
This church later became a monastery. The first leader, or abbot, of the monastery was Oveco. We know about him from documents written between 969 and 978. The first time it was mentioned that the monastery followed the Benedictine Rule was in 1042. This rule is a set of guidelines for monks.
Architecture and Modern Use
The building of San Vicente de Oviedo was built in the Romanesque style. This style was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. The building was changed and updated in the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Cloister and Museum
The cloister of the monastery is a very special part. A cloister is an open area, usually with covered walkways, found in monasteries. This one is officially recognized as a National Historic and Artistic Monument. Since 1952, the cloister has been home to the Archaeological Museum of Asturias. This museum displays many old and interesting items found in the region.
External Links
- Monasteries of Asturias
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de San Vicente para niños
