San Juan de la Peña Monastery
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San Juan de la Peña Monastery - by Javier Angel Lopez on Google
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).
Environmental & Social
Green attraction 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
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Mar, 15
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
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
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
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY -
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