Sant Cugat Monastery

The fortified monastery of Sant Cugat is one of the greatest exponents of the medieval art in Catalonia, both for its historical importance and for its great artistic value. The monastic complex cataloged as Cultural Asset of National Interest includes the church, cloister, chapter house, the abbot's palace, the outbuildings and the walls.

The earliest documented news of the existence of a former Benedictine abbey dates back to the 9th century. Construction of a new monastery began in the mid-12th century and the fortification works in the 14th century. In the Middle Ages Sant Cugat was the most important monastery of all the county of Barcelona. In 15th century began the period of decadence undergoing successive transformations until arriving at the abandonment in the year 1835.

Highlights

✔ The imposing church with three naves covered with ribbed vaults, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, a clear example of transition between the Romanesque and Gothic. On the facade, the large central rose window catch the eye with his diameter of 8.2 meters. Inside the church we find an remarkable octagonal dome and altarpieces, among which stands out the Gothic altarpiece of All Saints (14th century).
✔ The bell tower, attached to the church. The main section is Lombard Romanesque style. The upper part is from the middle of the 18th century.
✔ The cloister, the most important part in the complex by its structure and the decoration of the capitals. It is a magnificent example of Catalan Romanesque art (12th century), square-shaped with rounded arches supported on double columns. The cloister houses the headquarters of the Museum of Sant Cugat.
✔ The walls and defence towers (14th century), partially preserved.