Pink Monastery

Mediterranean Coast Tour of Spain ~ Girona (Region) The village of Sant Joan de les Abadesses is located on the left bank of the Ter River and is surrounded by an ancient Benedictine nunnery, established by Wilfredo "el Velloso" in 885. It later became a monastery. The existing structures include a 12th-century Romanesque church and a 15th-century Gothic cloister. The site houses several fascinating works, such as a series of sculptures depicting the Descent (1251), featuring seven polychrome figures, also known as "Santísimo Misterio" (Holy Mystery), one of the most remarkable pieces of its time. Additionally, there is a Gothic image and repainting of Santa María Blanca. Other notable elements include the monastery palace with its small Gothic cloister, the Romanesque apse and porch of the old church of Sant Joanipol, the arcaded main square (Plaza Mayor), remnants of the city walls, and the Old Bridge (puente Viejo), a Gothic structure spanning the Ter River parallel to the New Bridge.