Monastery of Moreruela
Monasterio de Santa María de Moreruela
The ruins of a Cistercian monastery beside the Esla River, where a 12th-century semicircular ambulatory apse and seven radiating chapels still stand.
The Monastery of Moreruela is considered one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries in Spain, founded in the mid-12th century by monks from Clairvaux Abbey in France. After secularization in the 19th century it was abandoned, and now only the back half of the church remains: a semicircular ambulatory apse, seven radiating chapels and tall vaulted walls standing in the open countryside, which is striking. Other remains include the chapter house and refectory. There is a small interpretation centre on site. Admission is free or low-cost, and opening hours change with the seasons (often closed on Mondays). It is about 40 km from Zamora, on the way to Benavente and Sanabria.
Opening hours
Wed–Sun about 10:00–14:00 and 16:00–19:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Lagunas de Villafáfila
- Church of San Pedro de la Nave
- Church of Santiago del Burgo
- Walls of Zamora & Puerta de Doña Urraca
- Church of Santa María la Nueva
- Plaza Mayor de Zamora
- Museo de Semana Santa
- Church of Santa María Magdalena