Monastery of Santa Maria del Roure facts for kids
The Monastery of Santa Maria del Roure is an old monastery that is now in ruins. People who live nearby often call it El Roure. It's located in the mountains northwest of Pont de Molins in Catalonia, Spain. Most of the parts of the building that are still standing show the Gothic style, which was popular many centuries ago.
This monastery was built to honor the Virgin Mary. It has been known by several names over time, like Santa Maria del Roure or Mare de Déu del Roure. Its history goes back a very long time, to the 11th or early 12th century. Today, this important building is listed in Catalonia's heritage register as a "Local Cultural Asset of Interest" (Bé Cultural d'Interès Local).
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What is the Monastery of El Roure?
The Monastery of Santa Maria del Roure is a historic religious building. It was once a busy monastery where monks lived and prayed. Over many years, parts of the building have fallen apart, and it is now a ruin. However, it still holds a lot of history and is a special place to visit.
Where is El Roure Located?
El Roure is found in a beautiful natural area. It sits on top of the Serra dels Tramonts mountains. This location offers great views of the surrounding landscape. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for exploring history and nature.
How Old is the Monastery?
The first records of the monastery date back to the 11th or early 12th century. This means it is over 900 years old! Imagine all the history that has happened around this ancient building. It has stood through many changes over the centuries.
What Does "Gothic Architecture" Mean?
When we talk about "Gothic architecture," we mean a style of building that was popular in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Gothic buildings often have tall, pointed arches, large windows with stained glass, and strong, detailed stone work. The parts of El Roure that are still standing show these beautiful Gothic features.
Why is it Called "El Roure"?
"Roure" means "oak tree" in Catalan. It's possible the monastery was named after a large or important oak tree nearby. Many old places were named after natural features in their area.
Protecting History: A Local Cultural Asset
The Monastery of Santa Maria del Roure is very important to the local area. It is officially recognized as a "Bé Cultural d'Interès Local" (BCIL). This means it is a protected heritage site. Protecting it helps make sure that this piece of history can be enjoyed by future generations.
What Does "Bé Cultural d'Interès Local" Mean?
This title means that the monastery is a cultural asset of local interest. It's a way for the government to say that the building is important for its history, art, or culture. Being a BCIL helps to preserve the site and prevent it from being damaged or destroyed.
Visiting the Ruins
Even though it's a ruin, the Monastery of Santa Maria del Roure is a fascinating place to visit. You can walk around the remaining walls and imagine what life was like there centuries ago. It's a great spot for learning about history and enjoying the quiet beauty of the mountains.
More to Explore
In Spanish: Santuario de Santa María del Roure para niños
