Monastery of Sant Daniel, Girona facts for kids

Monastery of San Daniel.

The Monastery of San Daniel (which is Monestir de Sant Daniel in Catalan) is an old religious building in Girona, a city in Catalonia, northern Spain. It's a special place with a long history, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

What is the Monastery of San Daniel?

The Monastery of San Daniel is a historic complex that was once home to a community of nuns. It is a place of worship and quiet reflection. Today, it remains an important landmark in Girona, attracting visitors who want to learn about its past and admire its ancient structures.

A Look at Its History

The monastery was started a very long time ago, in the early 11th century. It was founded by a powerful woman named Countess Ermesinde of Carcassonne. She wanted to create a place where nuns could live and pray. Her decision led to the building of this important religious site.

Exploring the Architecture

The buildings at the Monastery of San Daniel show different styles of architecture from over the centuries. This mix of styles tells a story about how the monastery grew and changed.

The Church Building

The main church building was originally designed to be similar to another famous monastery nearby, the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. It was built with a special cross-shaped part called a transept, which makes the church look like a cross from above. Over time, the church was updated and renewed, but it still keeps its ancient feel.

The Beautiful Cloister

One of the most impressive parts of the monastery is its cloister. A cloister is an open courtyard surrounded by covered walkways, often found in monasteries. This one has two levels. The lower level was built in the 13th century and features Romanesque decorations. Romanesque style is known for its strong, rounded arches and thick walls. The upper level was added later, in the 15th century, and shows the more detailed Gothic design. The cloister also has double columns with Corinthian capitals, which are fancy tops on the columns decorated with leaf shapes.

Special Artworks Inside

The monastery is also home to important artworks. One of the most significant is the sepulchre of St. Daniel. A sepulchre is a tomb or burial place. According to old stories, the remains of St. Daniel were brought here from a place called Arles. The sepulchre itself is a beautiful piece of art. It was created in 1345 by a skilled sculptor named Aloi de Montbrai.