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Monastery · Segóvia, Castela e Leão
Monasterio de Santa María del Parral
Hieronymite monastery founded in 1447 by Henrique IV, in the Eresma valley, below the Alcázar. It is still inhabited by monks, and visits are guided at a few fixed times.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Monasterio de Santa María del Parral
The monastery of El Parral is outside the wall, on the banks of the Eresma river, in the place known as La Alameda. It was founded in 1447 by Henrique IV of Castile, then prince, on behalf of his chief chamberlain, Juan Pacheco, marquis of Villena. When he ascended to the throne in 1454, the king began to fund the works. The name comes from a hermitage of the Virgin of Parral, so called because of a grapevine.
The buildings are arranged around Gothic, Mudéjar and Plateresque cloisters. The church, with a single nave, has an unfinished and austere façade, which contrasts with the well-lit apse. The main altarpiece, from the 16th century, is by Juan Rodríguez and sculptors from Ávila. On the sides are the tombs of the marquis of Villena and his wife, of Francisco Sánchez de Toledo.
In the 19th century the monastery was abandoned during the disentailment. It was declared a national monument in 1914, and Hieronymite monks returned to occupy it in 1925. It is one of the few monasteries of the Order of Saint Jerome still in operation, with a cloistered community.
On Sundays, Mass is usually sung in Gregorian chant by the monks.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour on a guided visit.
Best time
Visits take place only at a few times a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and it usually does not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan your day accordingly and confirm before you go.
How to get there
It is in the Eresma valley, north of the old town. From the Aqueduto, go down Calle de San Juan and through the San Lorenzo neighborhood to the Alameda, or descend from the Puerta de Santiago. It is about a 15–20 minute walk, and the return is entirely uphill.
Tip
Arrive a little before the scheduled time and wait at the gate: there are no visits outside the passes. Combine it with the Real Casa de Moneda, which is on the other side of the road, and with the Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, about 500 meters away. Wear modest clothing: it is an active monastery.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Monasterio de Santa María del Parral
Does the monastery of El Parral still have monks?
Yes. It is occupied by monks of the Order of Saint Jerome, who returned to the building in 1925 after almost a century of abandonment.
Do you need to reserve the visit to the monastery of El Parral?
The visit is guided and takes place at a few fixed times, usually one in the morning and another in the afternoon. It usually does not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the times before descending to the valley.
Who founded the monastery?
Henry IV of Castile, in 1447, still as prince and on behalf of Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena. The marquis and his wife are buried in the church.