Monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sant Llorenç del Munt Monastery |
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| Native name Catalan: Monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt |
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Monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt
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| Location | Matadepera, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
| Architectural style(s) | Romanesque |
| Official name: Monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 3 June 1931 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000445 |
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Sant Llorenç del Munt is an old Benedictine monastery located high up on a mountain called La Mola. This mountain is the highest point of the rocky Sant Llorenç del Munt area. The monastery is found within the Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac in Matadepera, Catalonia, Spain. It's a very special historical building, recognized as an important cultural landmark since 1931.
Contents
History of the Monastery
When Was Sant Llorenç del Munt Built?
The first time we find a record of a religious group living here was in the year 986. This group was led by an abbot, who is like the head of a monastery. Later, in 1014, a document officially called it a "monastery." This document was about a land exchange involving Count Ramon Borrell.
In 1018, there was another mention of an abbot at Sant Llorenç del Munt. During these early years, the area faced several invasions by the Saracens. However, there are no records showing that the buildings on top of Sant Llorenç del Munt were ever attacked.
Building and Decline of the Monastery
Construction of the stone building you see today started in 1045. It was officially opened in 1064 by the Bishop and the Counts of Barcelona. The monastery began to decline in the early 12th century. Even so, a Benedictine monk continued to live there until 1608.
By 1637, it seems no priest was in charge of the monastery, and it was later left empty. On March 30, 1809, soldiers from Napoleon's army destroyed what was left of the monastery. They even disturbed the graves of the abbots who had led the monastery.
Architecture and Design
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The building you see today was rebuilt between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. It was carefully made to look like the original structure from the mid-11th century. This monastery is a great example of the religious Romanesque style found in Catalonia. It is one of the few monasteries from that time period that still exists.
The church part of the monastery has kept its original design. It is like an exact copy, but half the size, of the Monastery of Sant Cugat. The Sant Cugat monastery was actually the one that encouraged Sant Llorenç del Munt to be built.
The church has three main sections called naves. It also has a bell tower built from local stones. These stones are known for being a bit reddish and not perfectly smooth. In the center, there is a transept, which is a part that crosses the main body of the church. This transept supports a dome with arches. The entrance door to the monastery is quite small.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Sant Llorenç del Munt para niños
