Explore ancient monastic ruins in the Piedra River Canyon and you’ll soon see why the Cistercian monks spent six centuries living amid this tranquil Eden.
The Monasterio de Piedra (Monastery of Stone) is a natural reserve nestled into the steep sierras in Nuévalos. Sheltered by the Iberian System and the Piedra River Canyon, this awe-inspiring place provided a home for the Cistercian monks from 1194. Visit the centuries-old monastery and its tranquil ruins. Make your way past the gardens and orchards into the impressive surrounding forests. You’ll find shady groves, cascading waterfalls, fascinating caves and a lagoon as smooth as glass. Declared a national monument in 1983, the Monasterio de Piedra encapsulates some of the rich traditions of the Cistercian Order. Today, it contains a luxury hotel and spa where you can re-energize after a day of exploring.
The site is split into two sections. A good place to begin is the monastery complex, which is comprised of the chapter house, the abbey, the kitchen and the refectory. The monastery’s cellar has been converted into a wine museum that represents the Calatayud wine region. Join a guided tour of the site and learn about its captivating history. You’ll see restored Romanesque and ornate Baroque architecture, as well as the crumbling ruins of the monastery’s church. It is believed that the kitchen in the Monasterio de Piedra was the first place in Europe to make chocolate after one of its resident monks accompanied Hernán Cortés to Mexico and returned with cacao.
Stroll outside and begin exploring the charming gardens that surround the monastery. Wander around the heritage orchard and grapevine trellises backed by broad expanses of forest. Go on a stroll through the nature reserve to see its enthralling waterfalls, such as the Cola del Caballo (Horsetail), or the Lago del Espejo (Mirror Lake). Check out a series of mossy caves and keep watch for the birds of prey that reside in the park, such as vultures, golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
The Monasterio de Piedra is located in Nuévalos and is a 30-minute drive from Calatayud. The park is open to visitors daily between April and September. Admission fees include a guided tour and bird-of-prey displays. Tours may not be available in English.
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