A Miniature Paradise in Pedralbes
A series of guided tours in late December and January reveal different aspects of the site and its history.
Did you know there is a miniature paradise right here? That is one of the discoveries awaiting you if you visit the Monastery of Pedralbes, where you will learn about paradises, women, and Christmas treasures. The tours take place on December 28 and January 11.
Everything happens at the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes, a complex founded in 1327 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada, which is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic religious architecture. Until recently, it was still home to cloistered nuns. Today, it is a space open to visitors, offering abundant information about its history.
Among the upcoming activities you can join to explore the site, on December 28 there are two tours, both at 11:30 a.m. One, Symbolic Garden, will take you to the monastery’s cloister (pictured. Photo: Antonio Lajusticia Bueno) and show how, through the combination of vegetation, water, and architecture, the space was designed to recreate a miniature paradise. On the same day, a second guided tour, The Christmas Treasures at the Monastery of Pedralbes, will take you through the complex, highlighting the Nativity dioramas and others preserved in the Procure Room during this festive season.
If you return to the site on Sunday, January 11, two more tours are offered. Pedralbes, a Female Scene of Power (11:30 a.m.) will speak about women with authority—often daughters of the nobility—who exercised influence beyond the walls of the monastery in which they were confined. Familiarize yourself with names such as Elisenda de Montcada, Francesca ça Portella, Maria of Aragon, Teresa de Cardona, Sister Eulàlia Anzizu, and Maria de la Concepció Baldri, as they will be mentioned during the tour.
On the same day, at 12:30 p.m., The Treasures of the Monastery will showcase valuable pieces of religious and everyday art preserved in the monastery, thanks to royal donations at its founding as well as contributions from the nuns and other individuals connected with the site.
If you want to explore the Gothic complex of the Monastery of Pedralbes in depth, join one of the guided tours organized there, but first check the website for full information on the activities.