This is the Parral Monastery, a hidden Gothic gem in Segovia: schedules

If you consider visit Segovia in a highly recommended excursion from Madrid, surely he Roman aqueduct and Alcazar They are the monuments that you know best and that will attract your attention the most to see.

But I tell you that Segovia It has other surprises in store for you, among which I must highlight the little-known Jerónimo Monastery of Santa María del Parral.

At the outset, I will tell you that the Parral Monastery (which is how it is popularly known) you do not find it in the historic center of the city, but in the area of The Alameda, On the banks of river Eresma that surrounds the hill where it is located Segovia

El Parral Monastery, next to that of And you, in Cáceres, are the only monasteries in Spain still run by the Order of the Jeromes.

In Parral today only a dozen people reside. Hieronymite monks, in its traditional regime of closure, silence and prayer.

Curiosities history of the El Parral Monastery in Segovia

El Parral Monastery It dates back to the mid-15th century, when he was still a prince. Henry IV, Whoever it was king of castile and brother of Isabel the Catholic.

It was in 1445.  when its valid Juan de Pacheco He started the construction of the monastic building in the area where there was a hermitage, Our Lady of Parral, so called because it is covered by an old vine.

The new monastery was given to the then community of Hieronymite monks of the Guadalupe Monastery in Extremadura.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Parral Monastery It fell into decay, and was even looted by the troops of Napoleon, until in 1837, with the Disentailment of Mendizábal, was totally abandoned.

However, in 1914 it was declared National Monument and restoration works are carried out in a building that was very deteriorated.

Finally, it was in 1925 when new Jerome monkss return to Parral Monastery, after the resurgence of this monastic order that for many years was left without members.

What to see when visiting the El Parral monastery in Segovia

For visit the monastery of El Parral, you will access via the road that starts from the Aqueduct towards the northeast.

At the second intersection on the right you have the detour that takes you to the Alameda area, where the monastic building is located.

After passing by the Mint, from the 16th century, and cross the river, you arrive at the doors of the monastery, which you will find closed as the visit takes place only at certain times and in a guided manner.

Church of the Parral monastery in Segovia

In front of you you will see the great church of the Parral Monastery, whose exterior façade does nothing to announce the artistic splendor that you will find inside.

This is because, according to the chronicles, Henry IV he had planned that his Capilla Mayor It was the place where he was going to be buried.

But the king died in 1474 and it was not until 1479 when the monastery was completed; finally, Henry IV was buried in Guadalupe.

Externally, only the two coats of arms at the top of the unfinished façade, hence its austerity, announce the splendor that you are going to see.

The interior of the church shows us a single nave, with various chapels opening on the sides.

Due to its configuration, it will be a construction model for other monastic churches of the same period, as is the case of the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes of Toledo.

From the last era of Gothic style, the head of the church has great luminosity, in contrast to the darkness of the nave.

I can tell you that when you arrive at the apse, you will surely sit on a bench to appreciate the artistic beauty of its different corners and elements.

Thus, on the right you have to look at the porch at the entrance to the Sacristy, in front of which there is a wooden armchair, and next to which is the tomb of the Solís Family.

But the highlight is the impressive artistic ensemble formed by the large central altarpiece and the two huge tombs located on both sides of it, with ornate sculptural groups.

To the left is the tomb of Juan Pacheco, Marquis of Villena, who was the valid one Henry IV, and whoever was commissioned to build the parral monastery, and to the right, the tomb of his wife.

Both are attributed to Juan Rodríguez and Lucas Giraldo, and are built in alabaster with a similar configuration: a deep niche with a triumphal arch, and the praying figures of both characters.

To a large extent they remind me of Tomb of Gutierre de Vargas y Carvajal which you can see in the Bishop's Chapel in Madrid.

In turn, the Main Altarpiece It was made of gilded and polychrome wood by artists from Avila starting in 1528. It was gilded by Diego de Urbina in 1553.

Under the altarpiece and the tombs there is a wooden stall from another Hieronymite monastery.

Cloister of the Parral monastery in Segovia

After surprising you with the great artistic wealth of this gothic style church, you will return to the door of the monastery, which you will cross to access a porticoed gallery located in front of a pond surrounded by orchards.

Before you you will have a wonderful panoramic view of the Alcázar of Segovia, and during the visit you will be able to learn details of the life of silence and prayer of the Hieronymite monks of the monastery.

During the visit you will pass by the Cloister of the Goal and you will also know that currently the Parral Monastery It is a small factory production of church pews, in which eleven employees work, and you will be able to see some samples of them in said cloister.

Next you will arrive at the entrance of the Cloister of the Hospedería, which because it is already a closed area, you will only see through a large glass.

How to stay at the Parral Monastery Hospedería in Segovia

There you will know the Parral monastery guest house, where you can go (men only) to share the cloistered and silent life with the Hieronymite monks for no more than a week.

Here you have all the information about the conditions of the stay at the Parral Monastery Guest House.

Schedule to visit the Parral monastery in Segovia

The Visiting hours of the Parral Monastery of Segovia They are, from Wednesday to Sunday, at 11 a.m. and 17 p.m.

Conclusion guided tours for which reservations are not necessary; You have to arrive shortly before, and the monastery doorman will leave at the indicated times and first of all he will take you to see the interior of the church.

Gregorian mass schedulesas in church of the Parral monastery

And if it catches your attention, attending a Gregorian chant mass, you can do it in the church of the Parral monastery.

All Sundays and holidays you have the Gregorian mass at 12 noon, which lasts about 75 minutes in summer, and about 50 minutes in the rest of the year, since the church grounds get very cold in winter.

In the summer, you can also listen to the Gregorian chant of the Hieronymite monks in the masses that are celebrated on weekdays at 13 p.m.

And, finally, comment that the price you have to pay to visit the monastery is the will.