Monestir de Sant Cugat Sant Cugat del Vallès

In the center of the city, in the Plaza de Octaviano, we find the imposing, majestic and powerful monastic complex. This Monastery was built in honor of the martyr Cugat, and became the most powerful in the County of Barcelona. Enjoy a walk through the history, architecture and art that houses the Monastery of Sant Cugat.

The monastic complex

Founded in the 9th century, the Monastery is one of the most important exponents of medieval art in Catalonia. It was fully fortified in the Middle Ages, and today a large part of the 14th-century wall remains intact.

In the 11th century it became a very important center of power and culture. The monks dedicated themselves to worship and prayer under the Benedictine rule, while also managing extensive estates, and their abbots were very influential men.

The monastic power and splendor still permeate the entire complex today.

The church of the monastery

Made up of three naves with corresponding apses, it was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Started within the guidelines of the Romanesque style and finished with the new forms of Gothic art. It is one of the best places in Catalonia to be able to observe this transition of styles.

Inside the church you can admire various works of art, such as tombs, altarpieces, altars and goldsmith objects.

The large central rose window of the 1337 façade stands out, which is of the same type as that of the south transept of Notre Dame de Paris.

the romanesque cloister

It is worth making a quiet visit and admiring the best European cloister of Romanesque sculpture, with 114 unique capitals. It is considered the masterpiece of the sculptor Arnau Cadell.

The cloister is also a symbolic space, as well as a functional one, since the different rooms were arranged around it and the community life of the monks was favored.

A jewel of Catalan Romanesque and one of the best cloisters for its artistic quality.

Guided visits

You also have the possibility of taking guided tours of the monastic complex. Check the guided tours offered by the Monastery on the website.

Visiting schedule

Cloister

• From Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• From June 1 to September 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

church

• Every day of the week from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Admission: Free