Monastery of Santa María la Real (Palencia) facts for kids
Santa María la Real is a beautiful old monastery located in Aguilar de Campoo, a town in the province of Palencia, Spain. A monastery is a place where monks or nuns live and worship. The name "Santa María la Real" means "Saint Mary the Royal," which shows it had a special connection to the royal family, specifically King Alfonso VIII of Castile.
For many years, starting in the 1100s, the monastery was home to a group of monks called the Premonstratensian community. The building itself is very interesting because its style mixes two important types of architecture: Romanesque and Gothic. This means it was built during a time when builders were moving from the older, sturdy Romanesque style to the newer, taller Gothic style.
Protecting a Historic Place
From Ruin to Restoration
In the 1800s, the monastery faced a tough time. The government took over many church properties, and Santa María la Real was closed. Because no one was taking care of it, the buildings started to fall apart. By 1871, some of its important stone carvings, called capitals (which are the tops of columns), were moved to the National Archaeological Museum, Madrid to keep them safe. These carvings were made around the year 1200.
Luckily, in 1914, the monastery was declared a national monument. This meant it was recognized as an important historical site that needed protection. Over time, the buildings were carefully repaired and brought back to life.
What It Is Today
Today, the restored monastery is a busy and important place. It is home to a high school called Instituto de Secundaria Santa María La Real. It also houses a special group called a Foundation, which studies Romanesque art and buildings.
The area around Palencia is famous for having many Romanesque buildings, more than almost anywhere else in Europe. The Santa María la Real monastery is a key part of a special route that helps people explore these amazing old buildings and learn about their history.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María la Real (Aguilar de Campoo) para niños
