Founded in 1327 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada, the gothic cloister at the Pedralbes Monastery is considered to be the biggest in the world. Elisenda’s ornately carved tomb stands guard at one end of it, and many of its original features have survived intact as a magnificent example of how, with the right synergy, strong architectural features and generous vegetation can exist in complete harmony to create a place of exquisite peace and tranquillity.
Join us for the magic jour at the world’s biggest gothic cloister
The cloister was home to the order of Clarisse nuns (founded by Clare of Assisi in 1212) and became an icon of peace and beauty in the city of Barcelona. It is widely considered to be one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Catalonia, both for its church and for the cloister itself, which is spread over three floors, with two galleries supported by twenty-six columns on each side. It’s an extraordinary place to sit and read, or simply escape the maelstrom of modern life for an hour or two.
The site has also preserved different aspects from traditional monastic life including the day cells where the nuns retired for prayers and personal reflections, and their bedrooms where you can see impeccably preserved examples of their works of art, liturgical paraphernalia and furniture, some of it more than seven centuries old.
During the summer months it’s possible to enter the cloister, free of charge, for a couple of afternoons a week for what has become fondly known as the ‘magic hour’. The chance to bask in this oasis of calm with nothing to disturb you but the sound of water gurgling over ancient stone, and the strong sense of history that emanates from the monastery itself, is utterly bewitching.
It gives us great pleasure to invite you to join us for the magic hour at the Pedralbes Monastery. From June 4th to September 13th, Tuesdays and Fridays, 6pm to 9pm.
