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Monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña

The monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña, in Castrillo del Val, about ten kilometres from Burgos, was founded before the year 902 and was an important centre in the early Middle Ages; its scriptorium produced the Beatus of Cardeña, copied between 1175 and 1180. Tradition, going back to the Cantar de mio Cid, places Jimena and her daughters here during the Cid's exile, and the remains of the hero and his wife lay in the Baroque chapel of 1753 before being moved to the cathedral. A monolith in front of the façade marks the spot where, according to legend, his horse Babieca is buried. The 12th-century Romanesque cloister has arches that alternate white and red stone. Today it is a Trappist abbey, with monks in residence since 1942, who also make wine and liqueurs.

Things to do at Monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña: 4 missions

• Discover the white and red arches of the cloisterThe 12th-century Romanesque cloister alternates white and red voussoirs in its arches. During the guided visit, spot that play of colours.
• Photograph the monastery façadeStep back a few paces from the entrance to frame the façade, with the 18th-century part and the church behind.
• Visit the Chapel of the Cid where the hero once restedOn the guided visit led by a monk, step into the Baroque chapel next to the church, where the Cid and his family were buried, and take note of its polychrome decoration.
• Find the monolith of Babieca in front of the façadeIn front of the monastery façade there is a monolith that tradition associates with the grave of the Cid's horse. Find it and photograph it with the façade behind.

Near Monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña

Source: Web oficial - Turismo Castilla y León, Monasterio de San Pedro de Cardeña