Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols facts for kids
The Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols is an old and important building in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, a town in Catalonia, Spain. It is a Benedictine monastery, which means it was once home to a group of monks who followed the rules of Saint Benedict. This amazing place was first mentioned way back in the year 961.
In 1931, it was officially recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural, which means it's a very important cultural landmark. The building shows off beautiful Romanesque architecture, a style popular in the Middle Ages. It has been changed and updated many times over the centuries.
A special part of the monastery is the Porta Ferrada, which is a famous symbol of the town. The monastery also has two tall towers. Today, you can visit a history museum inside the monastery.
History of the Monastery
The Monestir de Sant Feliu de Guíxols was built a very long time ago. Records show that the Benedictine monastery started in the first half of the 10th century. Monks chose this spot carefully.
Why This Location?
The bay of Guíxols was a great choice for the monastery. It had a good natural harbor for boats. Nearby hills offered protection from attacks coming from the sea. This made it safer for the monks and people living there.
Another reason for its location was the story of Saint Felix of Africa. People believed he was martyred, or killed for his faith, nearby. There were also old Roman buildings already on the site. The monks could use these existing structures.
What Was Its Purpose?
The monastery had a big job. It helped manage farming and food production in the area. It also protected the people who lived around it. So, it was like a strong, fortified castle right on the coast. It had power over the land and its people.
When it was founded, the monastery was named after Saint Felix. This is why the town is called Sant Feliu de Guíxols today. The name "Sant Feliu" is the Catalan way of saying Saint Felix. This name has been used for the town since the 10th century.
Gallery
-
Torre de Fum
-
Arc de Sant Benet
-
Plan
-
Monestir at night.
.svg)
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de San Felíu de Guixols para niños
