Santa Maria de El Paular Royal Monastery
Its origins date back to the fourteenth century, specifically 1390, when Enrique II of Trastamara, who during his military campaigns had burned down a Carthusian monastery in France, undertook the founding of El Paular to atone for his sins before dying. This is how the monastery's history was begun, with the original hermitage of Santa Maria de El Paular (now Chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat), and is continued with the construction of an architectural ensemble that over the centuries has evolved and grown into what we know today: a monument that boasts a mixture of styles (Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Flemish), in part a convent of Benedictine monks, as well as the hotel Sheraton Santa Maria de El Paular.
Its history can be grouped around three main axes: El Paular-Chartreuse (1390-1835), El Paular disentailed (1835-1954) and El Paular recuperated and returned to the monastic life (1954-present).
Guided tours are offered by a monk who tells the story of the monastery, while explaining the different sections of the building (church, high altar, chapels, cloisters, refractory, etc.)..
The visit (very pleasant) is free but it is recommended to buy typical products of the monastery in its shop to assist in the maintenance of facilities and the eight Benedictine monks who inhabit it.