Frommer's Review
The oldest building in Pedralbes (the city's wealthiest residential area) is this monastery founded in 1326 by Elisenda de Montcada, wife of Jaume II. It housed the nuns of the Order of Saint Clare (who are now taking up residence in a much smaller adjacent building), and after the king's death Queen Elisenda took up residence in the convent. She is buried in the Gothic church next door (where the nuns still sing their vespers) in a beautiful tomb surrounded by images of angels.
After passing over the threshold, you come to the serene cloister with a central fountain, well, herb gardens, and other greenery. There are nearly two dozen elegant arches on each side, rising three stories. Immediately to your right is a small chapel containing the chief treasure of the monastery, the incredibly intact Chapel of St. Michael. Inside, it is decorated with murals by Ferrer Bassa, a major artist of Catalonia in the 1300s, depicting the Passion of Christ.
The original nuns' residence houses an exhibition re-creating the monastic life of the 14th century: what they ate, how they dressed, the hours of prayer, and their general comings and goings. Some of the chambers contain original artifacts of the monestir, although the most evocative rooms are the kitchen and refectory and the communal dining room where the Mother Superior broke her vow of silence with mealtime Bible readings from the wooden pulpit.
In the renovated nuns' dormitory a treat lies in store for art lovers: 70 impressive paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemizca collection, which include works by Rubens, Titian, and Velázquez, as well as sculptures and Renaissance and baroque paintings.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
