Jerez de la Frontera Charterhouse

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

The Charterhouse of Jerez de la Frontera architecture is of a Late Gothic style, corresponding to the start of construction in the 15th century, with Baroque aspects dating from the 17th century. The building, completed in the 17th century, has been designated by the Spanish government as an Historic-Artistic Monument.

The impulse behind the monastery dates back to Alvaro Obertos de Valeto, a knight of Genovese descent, appointed during the Reconquista by Alfonso X of Castile to defend the city shortly Alfonso had conquered it from Muslim rule in 1264. Lacking descendants, he left his fortune to establish a Carthusian monastery in the city. It was not until 1475 that this location near the Guadalete River was chosen, of special significance because in 1368 it has been the site of a victorious battle against invaders; the victory was attributed to intercession by the Virgin Mary, to whom a hermitage had been dedicated on the site, under the name Nuestra Señora de la Defensión ('Our Lady of the Defense'), which was adopted also for the monastery.

The Renaissance entryway, designed by Andrés de Ribera, is of particular interest, as are the Chapel of Santa María, and the small Gothic cloister designed by Juan Martínez Montañés. The choir stalls are by Juan de Oviedo de la Bandera (1565–1625); they were originally made for the Convento-Iglesia de la Merced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and were transferred to the monastery in 1960. The paintings by Juan de la Roelas currently at the monastery also come from that church. Conversely, the Museo de Cádiz preserves numerous paintings by Francisco Zurbarán that were originally from the monastery.

Nowadays, the Sisters of Bethlehem, of the Assumption of the Virgin, and of Saint Bruno continue the long Roman Catholic monastic and spiritual tradition that had been carried on more than five centuries by the Carthusian fathers.

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Details

Founded: 1475
Category: Religious sites in Spain

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Antonia Popova (2 years ago)
I am always amazed by this hidden mysterious place. I highly recommend to visit. It look fantastic for wedding photography spot as it looks like a scene from a movie and its so quiet so you take photos no bothered as nobody is passing around. They have a choir singing at 17:00 every Monday. The little church it’s always open for visitors.
L M (2 years ago)
Impressive. Dominated by peace and serenity. Old, full of bas-reliefs, poorly maintained and even apparently abandoned, but it is like a dusty diamond, just waiting to be wiped to shine.
Aaron Ochse (2 years ago)
Gorgeous monastery that is still active. Friendly atmosphere in a deeply spiritual location.
Tony C (2 years ago)
Just in awe of the place. Easy parking iand access.
William Harrack (2 years ago)
Really interesting historic late Gothic Monastery as one of Byers Jerez. Late Gothic architecture from the 16th Century with nuns working away in the grounds and shop. The Sisters of Bethlehem are very friendly and even allowed us to park in the grounds and opened the electric gates for us on leaving after visiting their shop. The cathedral was very peaceful with many unique interesting features.
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