Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll facts for kids
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll is a very old and important Benedictine monastery located in the town of Ripoll, in Catalonia, Spain. A Benedictine monastery is a place where monks, who are members of the Benedictine religious order, live and pray. This beautiful building was mostly built in the Romanesque style, which was popular a long time ago.
Even though much of the church was rebuilt in the 19th century, it still looks amazing. One of its most famous parts is the sculptured entrance, called a portico. This portico is a fantastic example of Romanesque art.
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll is so special that it was chosen as one of the top 100 finalists for the "12 Treasures of Spain" in 2007.
Contents
What is the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll?
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll is a large and historic religious building. It was founded in the year 879 by a count named Wilfred the Hairy. This monastery became a very important center for learning and culture in the Middle Ages.
It was a place where monks copied books by hand, keeping knowledge alive. Many important people were buried here, including several counts of Barcelona. The monastery played a big role in the history of Catalonia.
Romanesque Architecture and Art
The monastery is famous for its Romanesque style. This style uses thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple shapes. The buildings often feel very solid and grand.
The Famous Portico
The most impressive part of the monastery is its large, carved entrance, known as the portico. This portico is covered with detailed sculptures. These carvings tell stories from the Bible and show different scenes.
The sculptures are a great example of Romanesque art. They teach us about the beliefs and artistic skills of people from many centuries ago. Looking at them is like reading a very old picture book made of stone.
The Cloister
Another beautiful part of the monastery is its cloister. A cloister is a covered walkway, usually around a central garden. Monks would walk here for prayer and quiet thought.
The cloister at Ripoll has many carved columns and arches. It's a peaceful place that shows more of the monastery's amazing architecture.
Images for kids
-
Façade of the monastery.
-
The monastery's main entrance or portal.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María de Ripoll para niños
