The monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas

Andalucia » Seville » Monasterio de la Cartuja

View of the monestary (a photo
by A. www.viajar24h.com)

Isla de Cartuja is situated across the river from the northern part of Seville. The island is best known for Expo 1992 which was held here. But the most interesting sight is the monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas or more often called “Monasterio de la Cartuja”. This is a large and very honourable Carthusian monastery from 1428. Centuries ago it was a treasure-house of art works, almost always visited by the Spanish kings on their arrival to Seville. In 1836 the monastery stopped functioning, like all other Spanish monasteries, because their possessions were confiscated by the state. The Englishmen turned it into a porcelain factory which worked until 1982. Its high chimneys and ovens are still preserved, Later the monastery became possession of the state and after restoration works on a large scale a unique region of tourism, art and culture was created. The neighbour Centre of Contemporary Art presents various avant-garde programs. Exhibitions of contemporary works in the Mudejar church of the monastery complement the original atmosphere. The bedrooms of the monks are another tourist attraction of the complex. The first issue of the biennale for contemporary art of Seville was held here in 2004.