San Salvador de Nogal de las Huertas facts for kids
The San Salvador de Nogal de las Huertas is an old monastery located in Nogal de las Huertas, Spain. It was once home to a group of monks called the Cluniacs. These monks followed special rules from a famous monastery in Cluny, France.
This monastery is very important because its buildings show the oldest examples of a special type of building style. This style is called the Palentine style, which is a kind of Romanesque architecture found in the province of Palencia.
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History of the Monastery
The San Salvador de Nogal de las Huertas monastery was started in the year 1063. It was founded by a noblewoman named Countess Elvira Sánchez. When it was first built, it had a main hall called a nave and a square area at the end known as an apse.
Changes Over Time
Around the middle of the 1100s, a young man named Rodrigo became the leader, or prior, of the monastery. He was the youngest son of a powerful family, which was unusual for someone from a noble family in Castile at that time.
Later, in the 1200s, more parts were added to the monastery. Two side halls, also called aisles, were built. These new parts featured pointed arches, which are a common design in the Gothic style.
Becoming a Historical Site
In the 1800s, the monastery became private property. It was no longer used by monks. However, in June 1931, its old buildings were recognized as a very important historical and artistic monument. Today, it is known as a conjunto histórico, which means it is a protected historical site.
Architecture and Design
The buildings of San Salvador de Nogal de las Huertas are special because they show a unique building style. This style is known as the Palentine style. It is a local version of the Romanesque way of building.
Original Romanesque Features
When the monastery was first built, it followed the Romanesque style. This means it had strong, thick walls and rounded arches. The main part of the church was a central nave, which is like a long hall. At the end of this hall was a square apse.
Gothic Additions
Over time, new parts were added that showed a different style. The Gothic style became popular later on. The monastery added two side aisles with pointed arches. These arches are taller and more elegant than the rounded Romanesque arches. They helped to make the building look different and more open.
Location in Spain
The monastery is located in the small town of Nogal de las Huertas. This town is part of the Palencia province in the region of Castile and León in northern Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de San Salvador de Nogal de las Huertas para niños
