Monastery of Santa María de Oseira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monastery of Santa María de Oseira |
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Mosteiro de Santa María de Oseira
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Monastery |
| Location | |
| Location | San Cristovo de Cea, Galicia, Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Baroque |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Website | |
| Official website: http://mosteirodeoseira.org/web/ | |
The Monastery of Santa María de Oseira is a special kind of religious building called a Trappist monastery. It is located in Galicia, a beautiful region in Spain. In Galician, it's known as Mosteiro de Santa María de Oseira, and in Spanish, it's Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Oseira.
Contents
A Journey Through Time
How the Monastery Began
The Monastery of Santa María de Oseira has a very long history. It first started way back in 1137. Just a few years later, in 1141, it became a monastery for the Cistercian order. This was a group of French monks. They were sent by a famous person named Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
Monks Leave and Return
For many years, the monks lived and worked at the monastery. But in 1835, they had to leave. This happened because of new rules from the government. The monastery was left empty for a long time.
However, the monks came back! In 1929, a different group of Cistercian monks returned. These were the Cistercians of the Strict Reform, often called Trappists. They have been there ever since.
A Stop for Pilgrims
The monastery is also a popular place for people on a special journey. Many people walk the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The Monastery of Santa María de Oseira is a well-known stop along their path.
What Does It Look Like?
The Church's Design
The main church at the monastery was built a long time ago. Construction started around 1200 AD and finished around 1239 AD. It is a great example of Romanesque architecture in Spain. This style of building often has thick walls and round arches. The church's design was inspired by other churches that pilgrims visited.
Inside the Church
One of the most interesting parts inside the church is called the "palm tree room." This room has a special dome on the ceiling. The dome is held up by four large columns. It looks a bit like the branches of a palm tree spreading out.
The Stone Collection
The monastery also has something called a Lapidarium. This is a collection of old stone pieces. These stones were found during work to fix up the monastery. They help us learn about its past.
Open to Visitors
Today, the monastery buildings are being carefully restored. Both the government and the monks are working together on this. The monastery is considered a very important historical site. It is open for people to visit and explore.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María la Real (Osera) para niños
- Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
- Monasteries in Spain
External links
- Official website: http://mosteirodeoseira.org/web/
