El Monastery of San Juan de la Peña we will find it in Huesca. More specifically to the southwest of Jata, where in the Middle Ages it was one of the most important monasteries. It still is because in it we find a Royal Pantheon, where a large part of the kings of Aragon are buried.
In this 'Well of cultural interest' well worth a visit. Because the monastery itself and its surroundings will dazzle you. In addition, it should be noted that it is also part of the Aragonese road, which leads on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Let's discover this place!
How to get to the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña
The monastery is located in a natural and protected area, very close to Jaca. In order to reach it, we will have to access by the N-240 road between Jaca and Pamplona. You will take the detour that takes you to a town called Santa Cruz de la Serós, which you can also discover and which will surprise you. From this town, there is a road to the mountain and 7 kilometers we find the Old Monastery. Just one kilometer from it, is located the new and the so-called Interpretation Centers.
If you leave from Jaca you will go along highway 240 as we have mentioned, and you will take the A-1603 to Santa Cruz de la Seros. But if your departure is from Pamplona, then again you will go along the N-240 in the direction of Jaca and then you will take the A-1603 again. On the other hand, if you go by train, you will have to go to Huesca and take another to Jaca.
The legend of the monastery
As is often the case in many of the monuments of yesteryear, there are always some legend that travels its places or its walls. In this case we speak of a young hunter, who was in these places and saw a deer. He ran after him to be able to hunt him but in a mistake, he rushed down a ravine. But as they say that sometimes miracles exist, he survived and hid in a cave that was in said ravine. There was a small hermitage that was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and right inside, he discovered the body of a hermit.
All that experience made the young man see life differently. Therefore, he returned to Zaragoza to get rid of all the goods and returned to the place live hermitically. Hence it is said that it all began with that small hermitage and with the dedication of the hermits who inhabited it. Little by little the architectural complex that we find here is being built. Although the so-called Ancient Monastery suffered a fire and the Modern Monastery was built.
The Holy Grail
If we continue with the theme of history and legends, there is another that we must also mention. It is about the 'Holy Grail'. As we well know, it is about that vessel or cup that Jesus Christ used at the 'Last Supper'. Without a doubt, one of the most important relics. Well, it is said that he was in this monastery. Although it was not the first place where it was seen, supposedly, it came here to attract pilgrims. It is said that in 1399 King Martín I took it to the palace of Alfajería. Finally he moved to the Cathedral of Valencia.
What we will discover in the visit to the Royal Monastery
The Monastery of San Juan de la Peña is one of the most important works of art from medieval times. You can still see large remains of the buildings that existed here. Because it is a historical complex that is completed with the New Monastery. Since, as we have commented, they have been recovering after the previous fires. Thus combining both the past and the present of one of the most impressive places.
El Old Monastery It is located 7 kilometers from Santa Cruz de la Serós. It is located under a large rock, that is, it is part of its architecture. There you will see its cloister as well as the Royal pantheon. Another of the key points of your visit, since it contains the tombs of the first kings of Aragon. The church that we find here is pre-Romanesque, another jewel, as is its door with a horseshoe arch or the council room. One kilometer from this place that we are discovering is 'El Monasterio Nuevo'. In this case from the XNUMXth century and with a Baroque style. Also in this place you can see the so-called 'Interpretation Center of the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña' that is inside, as well as a Hospice of four stars. A review of the ruins and all the information about this spectacular place.
What are the hours and rates of the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña
There are various rates depending on the parts you want to visit. For example, if you just want to delve into one of them, the normal rate is 7 euros. Although it is reduced to 6 euros for pilgrims, with the youth card or for retired people. Children between 6 and 14 years old pay 4,50 euros.
If you would like to enjoy two facilities, then the price will be 8,50 euros, the normal rate. The one for pilgrims, retirees and with a youth card, will cost 7 euros and minors will be 5 euros. It is true that before making this trip, the most advisable thing is to be able to see the entire area, the monasteries and the interpretation center. For this reason, the entrance to all will have a price of 12 euros, 10 euros for retirees and with a youth card, while children are 7 euros.
As soon as Visiting hours:
- From November 1 to March 15: 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m.
- March 16 to May 31: 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. and in the afternoon, 15:30 p.m. to 19:00 p.m.
- From June 1 to August 31: Same hours in the morning and from 15:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m.
- September 1 to October 31: Also same hours in the morning and in the afternoon from 15:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m.
The viewpoints and their surroundings
We will not repeat that the Monastery of San Juan de la Peña is located in a privileged place. Nature welcomes it to give it more beauty, if possible. For this reason, taking a walk around its surroundings we can find places with a lot of charm such as 'Mirador de San Voto' or, 'The Balcony of the Pyrenees'. Near the monasteries you can also enjoy different hermitages as you go. You are sure to love it!