Moreruela Abbey facts for kids
Moreruela Abbey (also known as Monasterio de Santa María de Moreruela) is a very old Cistercian monastery. It is located in the Zamora province, which is part of Castile and León in Spain. A monastery is a place where monks live and work together.
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Where is Moreruela Abbey?
Moreruela Abbey is found in Spain. It is west of a town called Granja de Moreruela. The abbey is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of the city of Zamora. It sits near the Esla River, which flows into the larger Duero River.
The History of Moreruela Abbey
Before the Cistercian monks arrived, there was already a Benedictine monastery on this spot. It was likely started by King Alfonso III of Asturia or by Saint Froilan.
Cistercians Take Over
Later, the Cistercian monks took over the monastery. This happened with the help of King Alfonso VII. Many believe the Cistercians moved in around 1131 or 1133. If this is true, Moreruela would be the very first Cistercian monastery in Spain. However, some historians think the Cistercians arrived a bit later, around 1143.
Family of Monasteries
Moreruela Abbey was like a "daughter house" of Clairvaux Abbey. This means it was founded by monks from Clairvaux. In turn, Moreruela became a "mother house" to other monasteries. It helped start Nogales Abbey in Spain in 1164 and Aguiar Abbey in Portugal in 1165.
A National Treasure
Because of its long history and importance, Moreruela Abbey was declared a national monument in Spain in 1931.
What Remains of the Abbey?
Even though much of the abbey is in ruins, many parts still stand. The most impressive part is the abbey church. It was built in the Romanesque style. The church is shaped like a Latin cross and is 63 meters (207 feet) long.
Building the Church
Construction of the church began around 1170. It was finished in the early 1200s. The eastern end of the church, called the apse, is still fully preserved. It has a rounded walkway (ambulatory) around a rectangular choir area. There are seven chapels, similar to the design at Clairvaux Abbey.
Other Church Parts
The walls of the transept (the arms of the cross shape) are also preserved. This part is 27 meters (89 feet) wide. Parts of the northern aisle and the main nave also remain. The nave once had three aisles and nine sections.
Convent Buildings
To the north of the church were the buildings where the monks lived and worked. One of these, the chapter house, is still there, though it has been partly rebuilt.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María de Moreruela para niños
