The Monastery of Sant Cugat

Towards the front entrance (image by Reinante El Pintor de Fuego)

In photography, there’s no denying that having a good subject certainly helps.  But skill with a lens will elevate that subject to new heights.  In this series of pictures, Reinante El Pintor de Fuego captures the Monastery of Sant Cugat in Catalonia with exquisite results.

Image by Reinante El Pintor de Fuego

The Monastery of Sant Cugat is a former Benedictine abbey in the Catalan city of San Cugat del Vallés (Spain).  Dating back to the ninth century and famous for its stunning Romanesque cloister, it was once the most important monastery in the county of Barcelona.  It was built on the precise spot where Saint Cucuphas (Cugat in Catalan) is said to have been martyred around 304 AD.

Image by Reinante El Pintor de Fuego

Image by Reinante El Pintor de Fuego

Image by Reinante El Pintor de Fuego

The building has changed significantly over the years.  The original church was expanded from the mid-twelth century onward and in 1350, work began on major fortifications, with King Peter III later adding a number of extra guard towers to ensure its security against invading armies.  Years later, during the War of Spanish Succession, Sant Cugat was occupied by troops loyal to Charles VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, in a turbulent period of history which resulted in serious damage to the building.  But a major restoration effort was finally completed in 1789 and the future looked somewhat brighter.

Image by Reinante El Pintor de Fuego

But with the monastery’s declining influence, the monks left in 1835 and by 1851 Sant Cugat was completely abandoned.  But any ensuing decay was shortlived as the Landmarks Commission set out to restore it fully that same year.  In 1931 it was declared a historic artistic monument and looks to be well worth a visit if you happen to be passing by!

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