Monestir de Pedralbes - Pedralbes Monastery Museum
Former monastery Founded by King James II of Aragon in 1326. 3 tier courtyard garden and preserved rooms such as the kitchens, dining hall, basement and Church
About Pedralbes Monastery Museum
The Pedralbes Monastery,
Pedralbes Monastery History
The monastery was founded by King James II of Aragon (Jaume II) for his wife Elisenda de Montcada in 1326. It housed a community of nuns, mostly members of noble families. The queen gave the monastery a series of privileges, including the direct protection of the city of Barcelona, through the Consell de Cent (Council of the Hundred), who had the task to defend it in case of danger.
The monastery is dedicated to Saint Mary which gives it the full title of Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes or Royal Saint Mary Monastery in Pedralbes. The name Pedralbes derives from the latin Petras Albas because a white stone was laid as a foundation stone.
Elisenda also built a palace annexed to the monastery, where she lived after her husband's death in 1327. She died there in 1367. The remains of the palace were discovered in the 1970s.
The cloister has three floors, and a length of 40 meters, with a central garden of orange trees and pines. It is formed by wide arches on columns, whose capitals are decorated with the emblems of the Kings of Aragon and the House of Montcada. The sepulchre of Queen Elisenda, in alabaster stone, is located in one of the cloister's wings.
Also notable is the Chapel of St. Michael, housing several fresco paintings by Ferrer Bassa. Dating to 1346, they show the influence of the Italian painter Giotto.
Image Gallery for Pedralbes Monastery Museum
Click on any of the 68 images to open full screen gallery player
Visiting Pedralbes Monastery Museum
Today the monastery is a museum. Opening times and prices can be found on the website. When I visited on a weekday in the morning I paid five euros and there were no queues.
Pedralbes Monastery Museum Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00h to 14:00h.
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00h to 17:00h
- Holiday's: 10:00h to 14:00h
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00h to 17:00h.
- Saturday: 10:00h to 19:00h
- Sunday: 10:00h to 20:00h
- Holiday's: 10:00h to 14:00h
- Winter: 1st of October to 31st of March
- Summer: 1st of April to 30th September
Tickets are sold up to an hour before closing time and can be purchased online or in the ticket office.
What to take with you for Pedralbes Monastery Museum
The Pedralbes Monastery has undertaken work to improve accessibility and now has an access ramp at the monastery entrance with an elevator to reach the first floor cloister.
There are no bicycle anchorage points near to the monastery.
The Monastery has a locker room for over sized bags. When I visited, I was allowed inside with my small 10L museum rucksack.
Pedralbes Monastery Museum Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
Zone 1 T-casual
€ 5.00
Students upto 30 Years, Over 65 years, 3.50 Euros
Child
T-familiar
FREE
For under 16 YearsGroup/Family Ticket?
10+ People 3.50 Euros.Notes
Closed Mondays.Free Entry?
First Sunday of month, Every Sunday from 15:00h, 3rd May, 18th May, 8th June, 24th September, 21st October
Getting to Pedralbes Monastery Museum
Address: Baixada del Monestir 9, Barcelona. 08032
Nearest FGC is Reina Elisenda on the dark blue (L12) line. Note that L12 is a shuttle service between Sarrià FGC and Reina Elisenda FGC so you will need to change train at Sarrià. Use a T-Casual or Hola-Barcelona travel card for Metro and FGC train services.
The Bus Touristic blue route stops nearby in Career de Bisbe Català.
Documents for Pedralbes Monastery Museum
Click on any one of the 1 PDFs to view in full screen and download.
Map of Pedralbes Monastery Museum
Weather for Barcelona
Where to stay overnight in the Pedralbes Monastery Museum
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