Monasterio de Santa Maria de El Paular
About
The Monastery of Santa María de El Paular is a former Carthusian charterhouse that overlooks the verdant valley of Lozoya, just northwest of Madrid. Founded in 1390 and completed in 1440, the complex blends Gothic foundations with exuberant Baroque embellishments, including a sumptuous sacristy chapel adorned with polychromatic marbles, solomonic columns, and gilded leafwork. After a period of dissolution in 1835, the monastery regained protected status in 1876 and was later occupied by the Benedictine order, while part of the structure operated as a luxury hotel until 2014. Today visitors can wander its cloisters, marvel at the chapel’s famed “Transparente” by Francisco Hurtado, and appreciate the silver custodia that once weighed 24 arrobas, all of which showcase the monastery’s storied past and artistic heritage.
Highlights
- Late‑Baroque Chapel
- Transparente
- Cloisters
- Silver Custodia
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Spring and Autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the monastery’s tranquil surroundings.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 2 hours