Founded in 1168, the building of the church, according to an engraving on the northern lower wall, began on March 1st, 1177 under the patronage of the woman who became its Abbess -Teresa Pérez, widow of García Pérez, a knight of Alfonso VII. The first community was made up of Cistercian nuns who came from the monastery of Tulebras, Navarra. It became an important and privileged female monastery.

It is the only example in Spain of a female monastery having an ambulatory. In the church are the tombs with statues of the founding couple, a polychromatic work from the late 13th century. Kept in the monastery rooms are the polychromatic wooden carvings of a 12th century Virgin and a Gothic Christ, formerly part of a Calvary from the 14th century.

Valuable sculptures from the twelfth century. Fourteenth century tombs. Virgen de las Angustias (sixteenth century). Chalices, crucifixes and lignum crucis (largest section of the cross).

In monastic dependencies are kept polychrome carvings of a Virgin of the XII century and a Gothic Christ which was part of a Calvary of the XIV. Garments and shoes belonging to the founder are also kept.

Historical Data

Architecture:
Religious architecture
Construction:
Monastery / Convent
Predominant styles:
Romanesque
Historical Period:
Middle Ages

Address

San Bernardo, 54. Gradefes. 24160 León.

Telephone: 987 333 011

More information

Oficina de Turismo Regional of León

Address:

Pza. de Regla, 2. León. 24003 León.

Teléfono: 987 237 082

Fax: 987 273 391

Email: oficinadeturismodeleon@jcyl.es

Página Web: http://www.turismocastillayleon.com

Tourist Office of Gradefes

Address:

C/ San Bernardo, 62. Gradefes. 24160 León.

Telephone: 987 333 153

Email: info@aytogradefes.org

Website: http://www.aytogradefes.org

Opening hours

  • From March, 6 to March, 22:
    • Wednesday to sunday: 10:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 18:30
  • Summer March, 23 – October, 6):
    • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10:00 – 14:00 and 16:30 – 19:30

Tickets

4 €

This website shall not be responsible for the accuracy of this data