Monastery of la Murta

The Monastery of Santa Maria de la Murta is a former monastery of the order of the Hieronymites located in the Valley of La Murta in Alzira, Spain. 

The monastery was established in 1401. The construction of the church is estimated in the mid-15th century. The magnificent architectural development of the monastery was due to major donations from illustrious families and personalities, among which were two of the most important Valencian families.

In the late 16th and early 17th century the monastery became during this stage in a prominent religious and cultural center. But the 19th century was very turbulent in Santa María de La Murta. In 1835, in the wake of the Ecclesiastical Confiscations of Mendizábal, the monastery was closed. Eleven monks had at that time. In 1838 it passed into private hands, initiating a process of abandonment and looting of their property until its total ruin, which was aggravated to be engulfed the buildings by the nature surrounding them.

Along the centuries the monastery of Santa María de La Murta, besides its constant architectural enrichment, made collection by patronages and donations of many treasures and works of art, becoming one of the most important historical and artistic monuments of the Valencian Community. However, currently it is not one of the best known, because of its abandonment and long forgotten during 150 years.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Alzira, Spain

Details

Founded: 1401
Category: Religious sites in Spain