Monestir de Sant Joan les Fonts facts for kids
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Sant Joan les Fonts is a very old and beautiful Benedictine monastery. It is located in a town also called Sant Joan les Fonts, in the Garrotxa region of Catalonia, Spain. Monasteries are places where monks or nuns live and dedicate their lives to religious practices. This one has a long and interesting history!
Exploring Sant Joan les Fonts Monastery
This ancient monastery is a special place. It shows us what buildings looked like many centuries ago. It's not just a building; it's a piece of history that tells stories about the past.
A Look Back in Time: The Monastery's History
The history of Sant Joan les Fonts monastery goes back a very long way. In the year 1079, the church that stood here was owned by powerful people called the viscounts of Besalu. They decided to give the church to a big abbey in France, called the Abbey of St. Victor of Marseille.
This French abbey then started a new Benedictine priory here. A priory is like a smaller monastery. For many years, this priory was connected to other monasteries. It was part of Sant Pere de Besalú until 1592. Later, it was connected to Sant Pere de Camprodón until 1835.
In 1981, the monastery was recognized as a very important historical site. It was declared a national monument. This means it is protected and preserved for everyone to see and learn from.
The Amazing Romanesque Architecture
The Sant Joan les Fonts monastery was built in a style called Romanesque architecture. This style was popular a long time ago, especially in Europe. Romanesque buildings often have thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple designs.
This monastery has three main sections inside, called naves. The middle nave has a special pointed ceiling, known as a pointed vault. The naves on the sides have rounded ceilings. This design helps make the building strong and beautiful. The monastery was carefully restored in the late 20th century. This work helped to keep its ancient beauty alive for new generations.
