Why you Should visit Pedralbes Monastery: A Hidden Gem in Barcelona

 Last updated: November 2017

When planning your trip to Barcelona, numerous landmarks which you may want to visit come to mind. If it’s your first time in Barcelona, the Sagrada Família is typically at the top of the list, as this is renowned as Gaudí’s most impressive architectural masterpiece. The shape and structure of this basilica will have your jaw dropping within seconds.

Another popular Barcelona sightseeing destination is the Cathedral located in the Barrio Gótico, and possibly the Basílica de Santa María del Mar located in the Born. The Monastery of Montserrat is great to visit if you feel up to the hike, and even if not it can be reached by public transport.However, we’d like to suggest a little gem that is often overlooked when visiting Barcelona, the Pedralbes Monastery.

A short history lesson

This exceptional example of Catalan architecture dates back to the 14th century. It is located in the north of Barcelona, inthe district of Pedralbes, and attracts visitors who are prepared to venture out of the centre on their mission to discover the city’s more hidden charms. The Monastery of Pedralbes was founded in 1326 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada and was maintained by the nuns of Saint Clare. It is now a museum, combining both the Monastery and church. Every aspect of the Monastery of Pedralbes contains its own beauty.

What to see while you’re there

Art can be seen everywhere, from the amazing mural paintings by Ferrer Bassa in the nuns’ private rooms, to the 14th century stained glass windows that have been preserved from their original construction. Inside the church you’ll find the tomb of Queen Elisenda, which is unusual as it visually represents her through two perspectives. On the cloister side she appears as a mourning widow and on the church side as a Queen. Numerous ornate tombs of the nobility keep Queen Elisenda company throughout the church.

The museum at the Pedralbes Monastery in Barcelona presents an extensive display of art, sculptures, and gold and silver utensils used by the nuns. This was first inaugurated as a collection in 1983, when the nuns of Saint Clare moved out and the Monastery was opened to the public. Not only is the Monastery of Pedralbes a beautiful place with fascinating displays of artwork, it also hosts many concerts and activities during the warmer months. These concerts are often located in its tranquil gardens, which are a must-see when visiting Barcelona in the spring or summer.

How To Get There

There are many transport options for getting to the Monastery of Pedralbes.

*You can take the FGC train Line 6 to the last stop, Reina Elisenda, followed by a short 8 minute walk.

*The Bus Turístic, whose tourist route covers most of Barcelona, also stops at the Monastery of Pedralbes.

*Don’t forget about public buses too! Buses 22, 63, 64, 75 and 78 all stop within walking distance.

Next time you are in Barcelona, make sure to visit the Monastery of Pedralbes, you won’t regret it.