Santa Maria
de Guadalupe in Spain
The monastery of Guadalupe was
founded in 1340, by Alfonso XI, in gratitude to the Virgin Mary, who had
helped him to win an important battle. Legend has it that the religious
significance of the site came about thanks to a peasant who, whilst out
searching for a missing cow, had a vision and discovered a statue of the
Virgin, carved by St Luke.
Over time, three hospitals and a school of medicine were built and a
pharmacy, where monks made remedies from herbs picked in the sierras, and
one of the largest libraries in Spain were added. However, it was when
the Conquistadors chose Guadalupe as their shrine and brought treasure to
it from the New World, that it became the sumptuous building that it is
today. In Latin America Our Lady of Guadalupe is held in great reverence
- she is the patron saint of Mexico.
The stone monastery, with its battlements and towers, is magnificent.
From its hill-top vantage-point it completely dominates the village that
has grown up around it. Today, the monastery is a Franciscan foundation
and is still visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. Take a guided
tour and admire the illuminated manuscripts, embroidered vestments,
painting and sculptures and the cloister with its Moorish horseshoe
arches. The simple wooden statue of Our Lady of Guadelupe, with her
smoke-blackened face, adorned with a ceremonial crown and gorgeously
embroidered robes.
Santa Maria de Guadalupe is
important because the monastery is still visited by thousands of Catholic
pilgrims each year. The entrance fee to the monastery is waived on
Fridays.
