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Cartoixa d'Escaladei Monastery

Rambla de la Cartoixa, Tarragona, Catalunya

Description

The Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei (Catalan: Cartoixa d'Escaladei) was created in 1194 and was the first of the Order of Carthusians on the Iberian Peninsula. It gave its name to the "El Priorato" comarca where it is located in southwestern Catalunya. The Order lifestyle mixes elements of eremitism (hermitage) and cenobitic monasticism (communal). The monastery's apex was in the 16th and 17th century when it was famous for its Escaladei school of religious painting. However, like many of its peers, it was shut down in 1835 following the Ecclesiastical Confiscations of Mendizábal after which it fell into disrepair. The ruins have been undergoing some restoration work for several years now.

Access & Transport

Address: Camí de la Cartoixa, s/n, 43379 Escaladei - La Morera de Montsant (Priorat) The monastery is 1km from the village of Escaladei and - 50km / 55mins drive northwest of Tarragona or 90mins / 75km south of Lleida.

Instructions & Recommendations

Logistically, this activity is best combined with a visit of the city of Lleida, including the Lleida Museum or activities in or around Tarragona.

Meta review

According to visitors, this is an out of the way but worthwhile excursion. There are good explanation boards, and the reconstruction of monk cells and cloisters conveys a real sense of what life was like for the monks. There are a few nuanced reviews though pointing out that having a guide really enhances the visit.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral and helps preserve the region's architectural heritage

Conclusion

A visit to Escaladei Monastery is the opportunity to understand the history of the Priorat region and learn about the Order of Carthusians. We strongly suggest arranging for a guide as he/she will tell a better story than the ruins by themselves.

Key positive

Gorgeous mountainous backdrop

Good insights into monastic lifestyle

Key negative

A little out of the way

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but best for aged 12 and above (younger children are unlikely to find it interesting). The website states that "the facilities are not equipped for people with disabilities"

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Open until 17h30 from 01 Mar - 31 May and 01 Oct - 15 Dec. Closed on 25 & 26 Dec, 01 Jan, 06 Jan

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 01

Season 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 20:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 20:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 20:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 20:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 20:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 20:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 16:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 16:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 16:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 16:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 16:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€3
Adult
16 - 64
€5
Child
3 - 15
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Free admission on the last Tuesday of every month between 01 October and 30 June

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