Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta facts for kids
The Hotel Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine used to be a very old building called the Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta. It is located in Spain, next to the Duero River. This historic place is near the town of Sardón de Duero in the province of Valladolid, which is part of the Castile and León region.
The monastery was built a long time ago, starting in 1146 and continuing into the 15th century. It was designed in a style called late-Romanesque. A person named Sancho Ansúrez, whose grandfather was Count Pedro Ansúrez, started the monastery. It belonged to a group of monks called the Premonstratensians.
In 1931, the building was recognized as an important national monument. Later, it was also named a "Bien de Interés Cultural," which means it's a site of cultural interest. More recently, this ancient monastery was turned into a hotel. It is now owned by a company called Novartis. In 2016, it was even named the best tourist hotel by Fitur, a big tourism fair.
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History of the Monastery
The Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta has a long and interesting past. It was built over many years, starting in the 12th century. The monks who lived there were part of the Premonstratensian order. They followed a strict religious life.
Building the Monastery
Construction of the monastery began in 1146. It took many years to complete, with parts of the building being added or changed until the 15th century. The style of the building is called late-Romanesque. This style is known for its strong, simple shapes and rounded arches.
Who Founded It?
The monastery was founded by Sancho Ansúrez. He was the grandson of a powerful figure named Count Pedro Ansúrez. Founding a monastery was a common way for important people to show their faith and leave a lasting legacy in those times.
From Monastery to Hotel
After many centuries as a religious building, the Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta changed its purpose. It was carefully restored and turned into a luxury hotel. This transformation allowed the historic building to be preserved and used in a new way.
Modern Use and Awards
Today, the building is known as the Hotel Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine. It is owned by the Novartis business group. The hotel has received recognition for its quality. In 2016, it was awarded as the best tourist hotel by Fitur, a major event in the tourism industry. This shows how well the old monastery has been adapted for modern visitors.
Location and Surroundings
The monastery is in a beautiful location in Spain. It sits on the left bank of the Duero River. This area is known for its natural beauty and historical sites.
Nearby Towns
The hotel is close to the town of Sardón de Duero. It is also located in the province of Valladolid, within the larger region of Castile and León. This part of Spain has a rich history and many interesting places to explore.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María de Retuerta para niños
