Water as the source of monastic life

Everyone knows water is essential for human beings, and in a monastery like Santa Maria de Pedralbes, one of the things that naturally had to be taken into account was how to get water to the monastery so the community could live there. But, beyond all the important uses of this element — drinking, cooking, cleaning, watering, etc. — water also has a strong symbolic component in religions such as Christianity and in its sacred spaces. This summer, the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes is offering a guided tour entitled El fil de l'aigua, which, as the title suggests, focuses on this odourless, colourless liquid. The visit can be refreshing during these hot days, and the guide will discuss the water supply system, its route from the mine, its passage through the cloister, the kitchen, the refectory, the kitchen of the infirmary and the vegetable garden.

It is a different way of getting to know the different rooms of the monastery, as well as discovering many aspects of monastic life. It will take place on three days: On Fridays, 5 and 19 August and on 2 September – always from 6.30 p.m. onwards. Bookings can be made through the monastery's website, by sending an email to  reservesmonestirpedralbes@bcn.cat, or by calling 93 256 34 27. Capacity is limited, so reservations should be made in advance. The itinerary is this summer on promotion at half price to celebrate the launch of the recovery of the medieval vegetable garden of the monastery a few weeks ago; yet another reason to visit Santa Maria de Pedralbes.

Visit this link for more information and to book your tickets.