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Santa Maria de Ripoll Monastery

Plaça de L'abat Oliba, Ripoll, Catalunya

Description

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll was founded at the end of the 9th century and was one Catalonia's main religious centers until the 15th century after which it declined in favour of the Monastery of Montserrat. The Benedictine monastery was originally built in Romanesque style with four aisles but only 2 remained after the 1896 reconstruction. Highlights include a portal sculpted with seven horizontal bands and a 2-storey cloister built between the late 11th and early 15th centuries.

Access & Transport

The monastery is located at the edge of the town of Ripoll, 100km straight north from Barcelona and 90km to the northwest of Girona. The R3 train line goes from Barcelona to Ripoll, passing through Vic.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend combining this activity with either a visit of Vic or the Garrotxa volcanic zone.

Meta review

The reviews of the monastery are overwhelmingly positive; visitors most enjoy the portal and the cloister which they find impressive, photogenic and extremely well renovated. Far less comments about the church itself which is not as decorated as facade. The main complaint relates to the siesta break so that those who are unaware of it end up either wasting time or completely skipping the visit.

Environmental & Social

Enviornmentally neutral and helps preserve the region's architectural and historical heritage. It also brings some economic influx to the town

Conclusion

The Ripoll monastery should be on the Catalan itinerary of those interested in medieval architecture and art or who happen to be in the area. Most of it was reconstructed following an earthquake and fire so do not expect many original sections but the Romanesque design has been faithfully recreated.

Key positive

Gorgeous Romanesque portal and cloister

Key negative

Few original sections left besides the portal

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but best for aged 12 and above (younger children are unlikely to find it interesting). Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 25 & 26 Dec., 01 Jan and 06 Jan Guided tour every Saturday and every Sunday at 12:00h

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

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

MONDAY16:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY16:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY16:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY16:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY16:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY16:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY -

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY10:00 - 13:30

TUESDAY10:00 - 13:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 13:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 13:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 13:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 13:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 14:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY15:30 - 18:00

TUESDAY15:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY15:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY15:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY15:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY15:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7.5
Adult
18 - 64
€7.5
Child
5 - 17
€3.5
Infant
0 - 4
€0
Retired, Unemployed, large families and single parents: 5,50 euros

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