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San Juan de la Peña Monastery

s/n A-1603, Jaca, Aragón

Description

The monastery of San Juan de la Peña is a religious complex consisting of an old monastery and a 'new' one supplemented by an interpretation center. Built in the 11th century, the (old) monastery was the most important in Aragon until the 13th century - it burned down in 1675. Its setting is very unusual: under a large rock. Visitors can discover the Romanesque cloister, a church, the Royal Vault (where some Aragonese kings are buried) on the ground level as well as another church and the council room on the lower floor. The new monastery was built 1.5km away in Baroque style in the late 17th century. Two interpretation centres are located there: for the old monastery and for the Kingdom of Aragon.

Access & Transport

The monastery complex is 25km (30mins drive) from Jaca along the N-240 / A-1603. A shuttle operates between the old and new monasteries.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combing this activity with a visit of the town of Jaca (Citadel, Cathedral, and Diocesan Museum).

Meta review

Excellent online reviews for this well-known regional attraction, especially the old monastery for its setting and cloister but there are very regular comments that price is too high considering what there is to see and the religious angle. Also, apparently there is no or little translation into English or French (the border is 1h away).

Environmental & Social

Green activity that helps preserve the region's architectural heritage

Conclusion

Definitely worth travelling to for fans of religious architecture, but for others the price and car journey might be better invested elsewhere in Aragon.

Key positive

Impressive setting of the old monastery

Interesting architecture and historical background

Key negative

Slightly expensive

A little time consuming to get to

Suitability

Partially accessible - we doubt visitors with reduced mobility can access the lower floor of the old monastery

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in September 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Opening hours might be outdated (website not working when reviewing). Closed on 25 Dec & 01 Jan

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 15

Season 1 / Period 1

MONDAY10:00 - 14:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 14:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 14:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 14:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 14:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 14:00

Season 1 / Period 2

MONDAY15:30 - 19:00

TUESDAY15:30 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY15:30 - 19:00

THURSDAY15:30 - 19:00

FRIDAY15:30 - 19:00

SATURDAY15:30 - 19:00

SUNDAY15:30 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY10:00 - 14:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 14:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 14:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 14:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 14:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7.5
Adult
15 - 64
€12
Child
6 - 14
€7.5
Infant
0 - 5
€0
Price for all sites (New, Old and Interpretation Center)

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