Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba
Monastery information
General view of the monastery from Ròtova.
Location in Spain
Full name	Saint Jerome of Cotalba Royal Monastery
Other names	San Jerónimo de Cotalba
Order	Hieronymites
Established	1388
Disestablished	1835
Dedicated to	Saint Jerome
Diocese	Valencia
People
Founder(s)	Royal Duke of Gandia
Important associated figures	Ausiàs March, House of Borgia, Duke of Gandia
Site
Location	Alfauir, (Valencian Community), Spain
Coordinates	38°56′26.71″N 0°14′46.34″W / 38.9407528°N 0.2462056°W / 38.9407528; -0.2462056
Visible remains	All. Fully preserved.
Public access	Yes

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is a very old building in Spain. It's located in a town called Alfauir, near the city of Gandia. This monastery was built over many centuries, from the 1300s to the 1700s. It shows off many different building styles, like Valencian Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical. It's a special place with a long and interesting past.

History of the Monastery
Architecture and Design
- Key Architectural Features
- Exploring the Monastery's Sections
Visiting the Monastery
Images for kids
See also

History of the Monastery

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is one of the most important old buildings in the Valencian Community. It started in a different place called Xàbia in 1374. The Pope allowed a group of monks, called the Hieronymites, to build a monastery there.

Moving to Cotalba

In 1387, pirates attacked the first monastery in Xàbia. The monks were scared to go back. So, in 1388, a powerful leader named Alfonso of Aragon and Foix, who was the Duke of Gandia, bought land in Cotalba. This new place was safer. He gave the land to the monks, and they moved there. Duke Alfonso also built a fortress to protect them from more pirate attacks.

Famous Visitors and Burials

Many important people have visited or been connected to this monastery. It's said that Saint Vincent Ferrer, a famous preacher, gave speeches here. Also, the father and two wives of Ausiàs March, a well-known poet from the Middle Ages, are buried at the monastery.

The Borgia Family's Influence

In the 1500s, the monastery became very important to the House of Borgia, a powerful family. Maria Enriquez de Luna, the Duchess of Gandia, helped pay for big improvements. She added the upper part of the cloister and a water tank. Later, Saint Francis Borgia often visited. His wife, Leonor de Castro, even spent her last days there before she passed away in 1546.

Nicolás Borrás, the Artist Monk

A famous Spanish painter named Nicolás Borrás was very impressed by the monastery. He loved it so much that he asked to join the monks as payment for his work. He painted many artworks for the church and other parts of the monastery. One of his most famous paintings, The Last Supper, is still there. He joined the monks in 1575 and spent the rest of his life painting and helping to make the monastery even more beautiful.

Changes Over Time

In 1835, the government sold off many religious buildings, including this monastery, to pay debts. The monks had to leave. In 1843, the Trénor family bought it, and they still own it today. During the Spanish Civil War, it was even used as a military hospital for a short time.

Restoration and Public Access

In 1994, the monastery was recognized as a special cultural site. Since then, it has been carefully restored. In 2005, it opened its doors to visitors. Now, most of the monastery is open for people to explore and learn about its history.

Architecture and Design

The monastery's construction started in the 1300s, but it was rebuilt and changed a lot in the 1600s and 1700s. The main entrance has two towers: the main tower and the prior's tower. The church inside has a simple rectangular shape with chapels along the sides.

Key Architectural Features

Bell Tower: The main bell tower has beautiful blue and white carvings from the 1600s. It also shows the date and name of the founder in old Valencian language.
Cloister: The cloister is a square courtyard with four covered walkways around a garden. It has two levels. The lower level shows a unique Mudéjar design with arches made of brick and lime mortar, creating a cool two-color pattern.
Chapterhouse: This room is where the monks used to meet. It has a special vault ceiling. Inside, you can find the tomb of Prince John and Princess Blanche of Aragon, who were children of Duke Alfonso the Old.

Exploring the Monastery's Sections

Main Entrance: The main door has a ceramic picture of Saint Jerome. Above it, you can see the stone shield of Duke Alfonso of Aragon, showing crowns, lions, and other symbols.
Old Village Area: When you enter, you'll see an old Moorish tower and houses on the right. This tower is the oldest part of the monastery.
Main Façade: The front of the monastery has two towers and a porch added in the 1700s. There are two main doors: one for the monastery itself and one for the church.
The Church: The church has a rectangular shape with chapels. It was originally Gothic but later got Baroque style changes. Many of its original artworks and items were moved to other places over time.
Cloister Details: The cloister has seven arches in each walkway on both levels. A large water tank in the central patio was built in the 1500s by Duchess Maria Enriquez de Luna. The lower cloister's arches are made in a two-color Mudéjar style.
Oil Mill: This room was once the monastery's dining hall and infirmary. It now has large clay jars that were used to store oil. You can still see Nicolás Borrás's painting of The Saint Supper here.
The Monstrance: This was a very valuable gold artwork made in 1548. It was tall and had many detailed figures. It was considered one of the best gold artworks of its time. Sadly, it disappeared during the Spanish Civil War.
Upper Cloister: The upper parts of the cloister were built at different times. The east side was built in the 1500s, and the north side in the 1600s. The library and archive used to be on the upper floor.
Romantic Gardens: These beautiful gardens were created in the early 1900s by the Trénor family. They have many different types of trees and plants, and a pool fed by a waterfall.
Aqueduct: An aqueduct was built in the 1400s to bring water to the monastery from about 5 kilometers away. It's made of brick with pointed arches.

Visiting the Monastery

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is now part of two special routes. It's the starting point for the Route of the Monasteries of Valencia, which connects five monasteries in the region. It's also on the Route of the Borgias, a route you can explore by car.

Today, you can visit most of the monastery. You can find information about visiting hours and tours on its official website.

Images for kids

Wings of the Valencian Gothic-Mudéjar cloister of the monastery, 14th century.
Valencian Gothic stairs, work of Pere Compte, 15th century.
Main or Bell tower, of Valencian Gothic style, 15th century.
Detail of the Main or Bell tower, Valencian Gothic style, 15th century.
Main gateway of the Monastery.
Romantic gardens of the monastery.
Agricultural raft next to the romantic gardens of the monastery.
Medieval sarcophagus of the Duke's children Alfonso of Aragón and Foix, 14th century.
The Last Supper painted in fresco by Nicolás Borrás at the Monastery's refectory, 16th century.
Windows of the upper cloister.