Summary

The Monasterio de Piedra in Zaragoza, Spain, is a historical Cistercian monastery turned luxury hotel and spa, renowned for its stunning natural park with lush vegetation, diverse fauna, and impressive waterfalls, offering a serene escape amidst an otherwise arid landscape.

Abstract

Nestled in the town of Nuévalos, the Monasterio de Piedra stands as a historical and natural gem in the heart of Spain's Zaragoza province. Originally a Cistercian monastery transitioning from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, it boasts a rich history including the production of wine and chocolate, with the monks playing a significant role in the region's winemaking since the 13th century. Converted into a hotel and spa in the 19th century, it now offers a luxurious retreat for visitors. The monastery's park is a highlight, featuring vibrant flora and fauna, spectacular rock formations, and cascading waterfalls, all fed by the Piedra River. This oasis in the desert is celebrated as one of the most visited sites in Aragón, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for those seeking to escape the dryness of the surrounding environment.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the Monasterio de Piedra, highlighting its historical significance and the beauty of its natural surroundings.
The transformation of the monastery into a hotel and spa is seen as a positive development, enhancing the site's appeal as a destination for relaxation and luxury.
The author is captivated by the stark contrast between the arid landscape of Zaragoza and the lush, verdant environment within the monastery's park.
The history of wine and chocolate production at the monastery adds to its allure, with the author particularly intrigued by the story of a monk bringing cocoa back from the Americas.
The park's invigor

An Oasis in the Desert — The Monasterio de Piedra

An unexpected surprise in Zaragoza, Spain

While flying into Zaragoza, Spain, which would be my new home for a year, I looked out the window of the plane and it was brown. Brown as far as the eye could see. Hmm, did I suddenly miss the never-ending rain I left back home?

Zaragoza is located inland, in central Spain, and is very hot in the summer and chilly in the winter. It is it is very dry, and to say the surrounding landscape is barren is an understatement. However, there is an undeniable beauty to it, especially during the spectacular storms that hit the area. I’ve never been awed by lightning quite like I was in Zaragoza.

The city sits on the banks of the Ebro River, which is perfectly pleasant and absolutely fantastic for bike riding, but natural water is in short supply here.

The monastery cloisters — Photo by author

Not long after my arrival, I decided to take a day trip about an hour and a half outside of the city to the Monasterio de Piedra. Being a history lover, walking amongst the ruins of an ancient monastery is right up my alley. This is what I moved to Europe for, after all.

But a shocking surprise awaited me!

Located in the town of Nuévalos and constructed during the transition from the Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles, the magnificent Cistercian Monasterio de Piedra has a long and storied history which includes wine and chocolate production. HELLO! No wonder I love this place!

Although winemaking has been a part of this area since the 2nd Century B.C., the monks of Piedra began promoting it in the 13th Century. They were instrumental in contributing to the wine production of this region, which is now part of the modern-day Calatayud Wine Route. There is also a small museum on-site where you can explore the history of the wine industry here.

Chocolate was also of great importance. It is said that a monk from Piedra, upon his return from the Americas in the 16th Century, brought cocoa back to the monastery and the monks here were the first ones to begin cooking it in Europe. Whether this is fact or fiction, I don’t really care. It’s a great story and I’m just happy that chocolate was discovered, whether by the monks at Piedra or Mr. Cadbury. We do know, through documentation, that cocoa was being used regularly here in the 18th Century.

The gorgeous Baroque Chapel of San Inocencio — Photo by author

In 1843, the site was acquired at an auction and the monastery was converted to an exquisite hotel and spa while the orchard was transformed into a garden. It remains like this to this day and a luxurious spa weekend away here is definitely on my bucket list!

The ruins of the monastery are a delight, the wine museum is interesting and the history fascinating, but a walk through its stunning park is the real treat and what makes it one of the most visited places in Aragón.

The waterfall, lakes and rock formations of Piedra’s gardens — Photos by author

The Monastery sits on land which is part of a unique geological site, fed by the Piedra river. It is full of lush vegetation and diverse flora and fauna and, 150 years ago, became one of Spain’s first fish farms. The air is so invigorating here and it’s easy to see why.

A walk through the park took me alongside rushing rivers, spectacular rock formations, under majestic waterfalls and through a cool stalactite cave (unsurprisingly, the most crowded area of the park with visitors looking to beat the heat). Vibrant shades of green are everywhere and the sun shines through the trees causing hidden waterfalls to sparkle and catch my eye. Natural beauty at its finest.

Some of Piedra’s many cascading waterfalls — Photos by author

As I strolled along the enchanting curated paths, breathed in the fresh air and relaxed in the shade on the lovely benches scattered through the park, I was astonished at how THIS was amid such an arid landscape. It seemed like a true miracle of nature.

The Monasterio de Piedra is one of my favourite places in Aragón. It is a soothing and relaxing retreat and a place I will always return to when I need a cleansing and refreshing day out in Zaragoza.

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