Nestled in the foothills of the imposing Moncayo, in the province of Zaragoza, the Monastery of Veruela is a jewel of Cistercian architecture that reflects the purity, functionality and beauty of this monastic style. Founded in the 13th century, this monastery becomes a paradigm of austerity and mathematical proportion, so characteristic of the Cistercian Order, promoted by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
The history and foundation of the monastery
The origin of the Monastery of Veruela dates back to 1146, when Pedro Atarés, lord of Borja, donated these recently reconquered lands to the Cistercian Order. The intention was clear: that the white monks, as they were known by their habits, would help consolidate the Christian presence in the region through agriculture, prayer and self-sufficiency. The construction of the monastery took place mainly between 1160 and 1190, although it continued until the middle of the 13th century, when it underwent major renovations.
The architecture: simplicity and proportion
The Monastery of Veruela is a sublime example of Cistercian architecture, a trend that, despite its formal simplicity, manages to create spaces of singular beauty. The smooth walls and pure lines, far from being synonymous with poverty, form a space of striking sobriety. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a fervent defender of austerity and purity of form, promoted the creation of monasteries where functionality and harmony would prevail. This rigor is evident in every corner of Veruela.
The monastery church is a clear example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. The robustness of the Romanesque style can be seen in elements such as the friezes of Jaqués mosaic and the flared windows, while the influence of the Gothic style is evident in the pointed arches and the ribbed vaulting that are displayed in the interior. This combination of styles is not only a testimony of the architectural evolution of the time, but also of a spirituality in transformation, which sought to rise towards the divine, leaving behind the dark mists of the past.
The cloister and its outbuildings
The cloister, the heart of the monastery, is the axis around which all monastic life is organized. Here, the monks moved in an environment of exact proportions and mathematical harmony. The symmetry and the careful arrangement of the elements convey a sense of peace and order, fundamental in Cistercian life. The cloister of Veruela is especially notable for its arcades that open onto a central garden, decorated with carved capitals and gargoyles of fantastic shapes that, although they go against the rigor of San Bernardo, add a touch of delicacy and creativity to the whole.
The same attention to detail can be seen in the rooms surrounding the cloister, such as the chapter house, the refectory and the chapel. The chapter house, a secluded space with low columns, was used for the monks’ meetings, while the refectory, more spacious and luminous, invites reflection on community life. Each room reflects a perfect balance between functionality and beauty, respecting the modular measurements that were calculated with mathematical precision.
A self-sufficient microcosm
The Monastery of Veruela was not only a spiritual center, but also a self-sufficient microcosm. The monks farmed their own land, made wine, and had workshops and a library. This self-sufficient approach was crucial to monastic life, where manual labor was considered a way of drawing closer to God.
Today, the Monastery of Veruela is a haven of peace that connects us to a time of deep spirituality and architectural knowledge that sought a balance between heaven and earth. To visit Veruela is to enter a space where simplicity becomes the greatest luxury, and where mathematics and proportion reveal a timeless beauty.
This monastery is not only a vestige of the past, but a living testimony of the human capacity to create spaces that, through sobriety and precision, invite contemplation and the search for the transcendental. Veruela, in its splendid nakedness, is a reminder that true beauty resides in simplicity well understood.
- Open: all year round (closed on Mondays except holidays).
- Hours: 10:30 am to 7:45 pm.
- Guided tours: Tuesday to Friday: 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm; weekends and holidays: 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm.
- Price: 1,80 € (free for children -11 years old).
- Parking: free.
- Phone: 976 64 90 25 (GUIDED VISIT MUST BE BOOKED).
- Email: monasteriodeveruela@dpz.es
