Didn’t kings and queens once seek refuge and solace right where we stand? This is the Monestir de Santa Maria de Valldonzella. It is a monastery with a long history.
The Monestir de Santa Maria de Valldonzella has been around for centuries. The community was formed in 1147. It became part of the Cistercian order in 1237.
Throughout its history the nuns had to move several times. They went from one place to another.
Originally, the community settled at Santa Creu d’Olorde in 1237. But wars forced them to seek refuge in Barcelona. Bishop Arnau of Gurb wanted them protected. So a new monastery was built near Creu Coberta.
Kings and their courts often stayed at Valldonzella. They did so when entering or leaving Barcelona in the 14th century. In 1410 King Martí l’Humà even died here.
Centuries later in the 17th century the monastery was destroyed during the Catalan Revolt. The nuns then resided at the Priory of Nazareth. It was inside the city.
Tragedy struck again. The monastery burned during the Tragic Week in 1909. The nuns were taken in by the family of Manuel Valls I Martí.
After this event Abbess Esperança Roca I Roca began building the present monastery. She was advised by Torras I Bages. He later became a bishop.
In 1913 the nuns moved into the new monastery. The Monestir de Santa Maria de Valldonzella wasn’t fully finished until 1922.
Bernardí Martorell I Puig designed the building. It showcases Catalan Modernism. The style incorporates elements of medieval art.
The church has a Gothic intention. Its design is imaginative. Visible bricks support the church giving it a Mudejar air. The glass windows are interesting. The ornamental supports of the arches of the transept catch the eye.
Today the Monestir de Santa Maria de Valldonzella continues as a Cistercian monastery. Nine nuns live here. They follow the rules of Saint Bernard. They seek God and serve others. The monastery belongs to the Cistercian Congregation of the Crown of Aragon. It stands at the foot of Tibidabo Mountain near the Barcelona Museum of Science.