Barcelona Churches, Pedralbes Monastery

The Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes is not located in the old city but nevertheless it is well worth a visit as it is located in one of the quietest areas on the outskirts of Barcelona.

The leafy residential Pedralbes neighbourhood belongs to the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district and a stroll around this area makes you think that you are in another city.

Built for a community of nuns from the Order of St. Clare, this Gothic monastery is also nowadays a museum exhibiting interesting artefacts showing what life was like for nuns in the Middle Ages.

It displays a clear impression of monastic life, with a large refectory, an infirmary, equipped kitchen and kitchen garden.

King James II of Aragó ordered the construction of this monastery for his wife Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1326. As the King died early, the Queen decided to spend the rest of her life as a nun.

Interesting to see is the double-sided tomb of the Queen made out of carved marble. One side looks towards the church and shows elaborate decoration and the other side towards the cloister depicting a woman dressed as nun and with no embellishment.

The Pedralbes Monastery in Barcelona has one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Barcelona, as well as the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar, Santa Maria del Pi, Sant Pere de Puel.les and Sant Pau del Camp.

ADDRESS: Baixada del Monestir, 9 (08034) – Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

T. +34 932 039 282

HOW TO GET THERE:

Bus: 22, 63, 64, 68, 75, 78, 113

OPENING HOURS:

Winter: October, 1 – March, 31:

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 14:00

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Summer: April, 1 – September, 30:

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:00

Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00

Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00