View of the cloister at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, Castilla y León

Find the peace and silence you need at these monasteries in Spain

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On your next holiday get away from it all and leave the crowds and the noise of the city far behind you. There are a whole host of monasteries in Spain where you’ll find the absolute peace and silence that will help you to recharge those batteries. These are just a few of them:

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Left: View of the Monastery of Oseira / Centre: Romanesque cloister ©Juan Carlos Marcos / Right: Detail of the cloister at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, Castilla y León

Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos (Castilla y León)

The remains of the original Benedictine abbey date back to the 11th century, but as time went by, new areas were added, leading to the eventual construction of the building that still stands today. It could be said that here there are two monasteries in one, so you’ll have the opportunity to discover two contrasting cloisters close together. As you stroll through the pleasant gardens, don’t be surprised if you hear Gregorian chant, as this is a daily event.
Left: View of the Monastery of Oseira / Centre: Mudéjar cloister in Guadalupe / Right: Detail of the arches at the Real Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, in Cáceres, Extremadura

Real Monasterio of Santa María de Guadalupe (Extremadura)

Very close to Cáceres, this monastery, with its rich cultural and artistic heritage, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It bears the marks of the passage of different civilisations, but stands out primarily for its Gothic Mudejar style, an influence that you’ll see in both cloisters. You’ll want to spend a full day meditating and relaxing at this abbey.
Left: View of the Monastery of Oseira / Centre: Gothic church dating from the 14th century / Right: Cloister of the Abad's palace at the Monastery of Santes Creus, in Tarragona, Catalonia

Monastery of Santes Creus (Tarragona, Catalonia)

This is one of the most austere of buildings, which is why it transmits such a profound sense of peace and tranquillity. It’s included in the itinerary for the Cistercian Route. The cloister and its orange grove are stunning.
Left: View of the Monastery of Oseira / Centre: 12th century cloister / Right: Detail of the windows of the Iglesia Superior church at the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, in Huesca, Aragón

Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, Aragón

Overhung by a mass of rock, the location of this monastery is impressive.Your visit will be like taking a trip back in time. There are two buildings, dating from different periods: The Old Monastery — clearly a symbol of medieval times — and the New, built in the 17th century. The imposing open—air Romanesque cloister never fails to surprise and impress.