Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena

The monastery of Santa María de Valbuena is in San Bernardo, in the municipality of Valbuena de Duero, about 20 km from Peñafiel on the way to Valladolid. Today it is the seat of the Las Edades del Hombre Foundation, known for its sacred art exhibitions. It is visited with a ticket, taking in its church and cloister.

History

According to Castilla y León Tourism, it was founded on 15 February 1143 by doña Estefanía de Armengol, Countess of Urgell and granddaughter of Count Ansúrez, to help repopulate the lordships of Curiel, Peñafiel and Cuéllar. It was occupied by French monks, who formed a farm or monastic estate around it, and its architecture is Cistercian. In 1432 it was reformed with greater austerity, following the guidelines of Saint Bernard. In the 19th century it suffered several exclaustrations due to the confiscations; in 1835 it passed into private hands, those of Baron Carlos de Quessel, and in 1964 the Archbishopric of Valladolid bought it. Today it houses Las Edades del Hombre.

What to see

The visit goes through the spaces of the monastery that are open that day, with the church and the cloister. The Junta warns that the opening of the rooms depends on there being no events or worship inside, so some may be closed. Allow an hour and a quarter. If you are interested in sacred art, check the Las Edades del Hombre programme beforehand: sometimes there are exhibitions in the monastery itself.

Opening hours and tickets

From 1 October to 31 March it is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:15 to 13:45 and from 15:00 to 18:45, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:15 to 13:45, closed on Sundays from 11:20 to 12:30 for worship. From 1 April to 30 September, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:15 to 13:45 and from 16:00 to 19:45, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:15 to 13:45, closed for worship from 10:40 to 11:30. Closed on Mondays. Admission ends 45 minutes before closing. Admission costs €5, €4 reduced, and is free on Wednesday mornings, from 10:15 to 13:45; if the Wednesday is a public holiday, the free entry moves to Thursday. Groups can arrange a guided visit Tuesday to Friday with a minimum of 25 people, and on Friday afternoons and weekends with a minimum of 50. Telephone: 983 683 159.

Getting there and what to combine

From Peñafiel you go by car, in the direction of Valladolid. On the way is Padilla de Duero, with the Vaccaean site of Pintia, and in Valbuena itself, the church of Santa María del Castillo, which can be visited free with prior booking at the tourist office; guided visits are on Saturdays at 14:00 and 20:00 (19:00 in winter) and on Sundays at 14:00. If you go on Wednesday, start with the monastery and take advantage of the free entry. On the way back, in Peñafiel, go up to the castle or book a winery visit.