The imposing monastery of Pontevedra with beautiful views of the Atlantic

The community of Galicia It's a paradise of spectacular enclaves. For example, facing the Atlantic coast, we find an imposing church built in the mid-12th century with Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque elements: the Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia.

Located in the province of Pontevedra , it was built by order of the Galician king Alfonso VII. Although it was originally founded as a Benedictine, it later became closer to the Cistercian Order. The medieval church of the old monastic complex still remains, captivating with its majesty from afar and a must-see.

A defensive monastery

The church is an excellent example of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque art, and played an important role in the province due to its strategic location. Situated on the seashore, Santa María de Oia represented a defensive point for the Galician coast. It even had to be fortified to defend against potential military attacks from the sea.

In 1624, the monks managed to thwart a Turkish fleet attack on the coast, leading Philip IV to grant the monastery the title of "Royal." After falling victim to the War of Independence, the monastery was temporarily occupied by Jesuits, and during the Civil War, it became a Francoist concentration camp.

How to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia

The best preserved part of the ancient monastic complex is the medieval church, built between the late 12th and first half of the 13th century. It is an imposing building with three naves arranged in a Latin cross plan. One of its most impressive features is its beautiful Baroque-style façade, modified in the late 18th century.

For visits, there are two different schedules throughout the week: