Santa Maria de Lavaix facts for kids
The Santa Maria de Lavaix was an old monastery in El Pont de Suert, Catalonia, Spain. It was a special place where monks lived and prayed a long time ago. This monastery was first mentioned in the 10th century, which means it's over 1000 years old! It started as a Benedictine monastery, but later it changed. Today, not much of it is left because it was flooded when a dam was built.
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What Was Santa Maria de Lavaix?
Santa Maria de Lavaix was a type of building called a monastery. Monasteries are places where monks or nuns live together. They dedicate their lives to religious practices. This one was built in a style called Romanesque. This means it had thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple designs.
Early History of the Monastery
The first time anyone wrote about Santa Maria de Lavaix was in the 10th century. This shows it was an important place even back then. It was a Benedictine monastery. The Benedictines are a very old group of monks. They follow rules set by Saint Benedict.
How the Monastery Changed
Over time, things changed for the monastery. In the 13th century, it came under the control of a powerful family called the Barony of Erill. Then, in 1223, it became a Cistercian abbey. The Cistercians are another group of monks. They are known for their simple way of life and for building their monasteries in quiet, remote places.
Why the Monastery Closed
By the early 1800s, the monastery was not as strong or important as it used to be. It was slowly losing its power. Finally, in 1835, it was officially closed down. This happened during a time in Spain called the Ecclesiastical Confiscations of Mendizábal. During this time, the Spanish government took control of many church properties. They sold them off to help the country's finances. So, Santa Maria de Lavaix was shut down and its lands were taken.
The Monastery Under Water
A big change happened in June 1955. The Escales Dam was built nearby. When the dam was finished, the area around the monastery was flooded. This created a large reservoir called Pantà d'Escales. The old monastery was submerged under the water.
What Remains Today
Because of the flooding, most of the monastery is now underwater. Only a few parts can still be seen. You can sometimes see parts of the old walls. You might also find traces of the northeast corner of the main building, called the nave. It's a reminder of a very old and important place that now lies mostly hidden beneath the water.
Images for kids
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Ruins of the monastery (1888)
