Monasterio de Santa Maria de las Cuevas description and photos - Spain: Seville (Topic)

Monasterio de Santa Maria de las Cuevas description and photos - Spain: Seville. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Monasterio de Santa Maria de las Cuevas.

Photo and description

In Seville, in the Isla de la Cartuja area, on the island is the monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, whose foundation dates back to the 14th century. The building was built mainly in the Mudejar style with elements of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The history of the emergence of the monastery in this place is quite interesting. Since the 12th century on the island of Isla, they have been mining clay from the caves, which are here in large quantities. There were also workshops engaged in the production of ceramic tiles. According to legend, once, in one of the caves, an image of the Mother of God was found, after which it was decided to build a monastery on this place. Initially, the monastery served as an abode for Franciscan monks, then passed into the possession of the Order of St. Bruno. During the war with the French, the building of the monastery housed the barracks of the French troops. After some time, the monastery was bought by a Portuguese merchant, who organized a factory on its territory, engaged in the production of ceramic and porcelain products. In 1964, the Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas was given the status of a national historical and architectural monument, the plant was moved to another place after a while.

The monastery is also famous for the fact that within its walls for about 40 years there was the grave of the most famous and revered navigator of Spain - Christopher Columbus.

The building of the monastery was restored in 1992 for the International Exhibition Expo-92. Since 1997, it has been home to the Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art.

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Topic: Monasterio de Santa Maria de las Cuevas description and photos - Spain: Seville.