Monastery San Juan de la Peña
Cradle to the Kingdom of Aragón and origin of misterious legends. San Juan de la Peña monastery, built under a massive rock for shelter at the beginning of the 10th century, combines history, culture and nature like any other else.
It hosts remains from an ancient Mozarab church, over which it was later built a Romanesque one and the cloister, mostly sculpted by the master from Agüero.
During the Middle Age its isolation provided it legendary traits putting it into relation with the Holy Grail.
It was royal pantheon until the 12th century. Declared of Cultural Interest, the monastery is formed by different parts belonging to different ages. Across the atrium the Council Chamber is reached, as well as the low Church, Mozarab from the 10th century. The aristocrats’ pantheon holds two rows of niches decorated with attached half-point arcs and Jaca-style frieze with stone ribbons.
From there the high church is accessible (11th century) and the cloister (12th), wonderful example of Romanesque Art with a priceless gallery with sculpted capitals representing scenes from the bible.
Really close to the Old Monastery a new Baroque one was built, known as New Monastery, surrounded by a particularly beautiful scenery declared Protected Landscape.
Restaurant
Before and/or after your visit, we recommend you make a stop at our restaurant of de New Monastery. Next to the spectacular San Indalecio meadow, it offers a selection of hot sandwiches, freshly made pizzas, toasts and take-away salads. Take a look at the MENU.
Map
Basic info
- Opening period: all year round
- Price: 12 € (ask for reduced rates)
- Car park: free
- Phone: 974 35 51 19
- Email: monasteriosanjuan@aragon.es
Here you can find additional information
What to see near Santa Cruz de la Serós
Jaca
It is vivacious joining together modernity, tradition, history, wonderful landscapes and a unique cultural heritage
Canfranc Train Station
Surprisingly elegant, it was inaugurated in 1928 by King Alfonso XIII, and is a very beautiful example of industrial architecture…
Serrablo Churches Route
These churches offer, as their main charm, being built in hamlets around Tena valley
Santa Cruz de la Serós
The charming urban center of Santa Cruz de la Serós houses two Romanesque jewels to visit: the Church of Santa…
You may also like
Aragón in 7 days
Do you have a week? Aragón has a lot to offer you. Go from north to south: the breathtaking beauty…
Aragón in 15 days
15 days to immerse yourself in cultural wealth and exuberant nature, discover its friendly people or taste its gastronomy
Route of Santiago through Aragón
From Somport pass, at 1,640 m above sea level, starts this historic route crossing the Pyrenees and descending through Aragón…
Santa Cruz de la Serós
The charming urban center of Santa Cruz de la Serós houses two Romanesque jewels to visit: the Church of Santa…
Románico
Top 50 most visited destinations