Monastery of Santa Maria delle Grotte

The Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, also known as the Cartuja Monastery, is one of the most emblematic and historically rich places in Seville. Located on the Isla de la Cartuja, along the Guadalquivir River, the monastery has undergone numerous transformations that have made it a cultural and artistic landmark of the city. The foundation of the monastery dates back to 1400, by the Archbishop of Seville, Gonzalo de Mena. Legend has it that the site was originally used by Moorish potters to extract clay and build kilns. It was in one of these caves that an image of the Virgin Mary was found, leading to the construction of a chapel dedicated to Santa Maria de las Cuevas. Initially intended for Carthusian monks, the monastery grew in importance and wealth, becoming a spiritual and cultural center of great significance. The monastery is a perfect example of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture, with Renaissance influences added over the centuries. The main church, with its high vaults and intricate decorative details, is a masterpiece of elegance and spirituality. The richly decorated side chapels house important works of sacred art and tombs of noble Sevillian families. One of the most fascinating aspects of the monastery is its connection to Christopher Columbus. After his death in 1506, Columbus’ remains were initially buried in the monastery before being transferred to Santo Domingo. This historical link gives the site an aura of international importance, testifying to the age of great geographical explorations. During the 16th century, the monastery experienced a period of great prosperity, thanks in part to the support of patrons such as the Enríquez de Ribera family. However, with the advent of the Napoleonic wars and the subsequent confiscation of ecclesiastical property in the 19th century, the monastery declined. In 1836, with the secularization of ecclesiastical property, the site was abandoned by the monks and purchased by Charles Pickman, a British entrepreneur who turned it into a ceramics factory. The factory, known as La Cartuja de Sevilla, became famous for producing high-quality ceramics, exported throughout Europe and Latin America. In 1964, the monastery was declared a national monument, and for the 1992 Universal Exposition, it was restored to house the Royal Pavilion. Since 1997, the monastery has been home to the Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art (CAAC), an institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of contemporary art. This has brought new life to the site, turning it into a meeting place for artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts. The monastery is surrounded by well-kept gardens, which were once used by the monks to cultivate medicinal and food plants. These green spaces offer a refuge of peace and tranquility, inviting visitors to stroll and reflect. The gardens are also used for artistic installations and outdoor events, contributing to creating a dynamic and stimulating environment. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of the Carambolo Treasure in 1958, during excavation work for the construction of a cistern. This extraordinary collection of gold and silver jewelry, dating back to the 7th century BC, was discovered by chance and attributed to the Tartessian culture. The treasure is one of the most important archaeological finds in Spain and provides a valuable insight into the wealth and craftsmanship of this ancient civilization.