Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás

The Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás in Ávila, Spain, is a magnificent Gothic structure that stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur of the region. Founded in 1480 by Hernán Núñez de Arnalte, the treasurer of the Catholic Monarchs, and his wife María Dávila, along with Fray Tomás de Torquemada, this monastery was established in honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Its significance has been recognized globally, earning it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 as part of the old city of Ávila and its extramural churches.

The History of the Monastery

The construction of the Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás began in 1482 under the direction of Martín de Solórzano and was completed in 1493. The project was funded by donations from Hernán Núñez de Arnalte and the Catholic Monarchs, who chose the monastery as their summer residence and the burial site for their heir, Prince Juan. The sepulcher of Prince Juan, crafted by the Italian sculptor Domenico Fancelli, remains one of the most poignant and beautiful elements of the monastery, reflecting the sorrow of the Catholic Monarchs over the premature death of their only son.

The monastery also played a significant role during the Spanish Inquisition, serving as a tribunal and housing the final years of Fray Tomás de Torquemada until his death in 1498. Over the centuries, it has been a center of learning and even functioned as a university, further cementing its place in Spanish history.

Architectural Wonders

The Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás is a prime example of the Catholic Monarchs' architectural style, characterized by its grandeur and intricate details. The monastery boasts three distinct cloisters: the Cloister of the Novitiate, the Cloister of Silence, and the Cloister of the Kings, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.

The Exterior

The façade of the monastery's church is an awe-inspiring sight, featuring an immense doorway framed by a large arch and flanked by two massive buttresses. These buttresses are adorned with decorative spheres, a motif repeated throughout the building. The ten statues by Gil de Siloé and Diego de la Cruz, depicting scenes from the Annunciation, add a touch of divine artistry to the façade. A grand rose window sits at the center, illuminating the choir and the church's interior, while the emblem of the Catholic Monarchs, held aloft by an eagle, crowns the structure.

The Interior

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the vast nave, measuring 53 meters in length and 10.50 meters in width, with the transept adding another 28.80 meters in length and 10.30 meters in width. The Flamboyant Gothic style is evident in the intricate ribbed vaulting and the palm tree-like columns that delineate the transept, designed to house the sepulcher of Prince Juan.

The church is home to eight chapels, each adorned with exquisite sculptures, including works by Luis Salvador Carmona. The most notable piece is the Cristo de las Angustias, attributed to Gil de Siloé and Diego de la Cruz, which holds deep spiritual significance as the site where Saint Teresa of Ávila experienced a vision in 1561. The main altarpiece, crafted by Pedro Berruguete, is a masterpiece depicting various episodes from the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and is considered one of Berruguete's finest works.

The Choir

The choir of the Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás is a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring 45 seats in the upper section and 34 in the lower section, arranged in a U-shape. The seats closest to the altar were reserved for the Catholic Monarchs. Made of walnut wood in the Flamboyant Gothic style, the choir stalls are adorned with geometric designs, fantastic creatures, and the symbols of the Catholic Monarchs, including the yoke and arrows, and the pomegranate. This intricate work was created by Martín Sánchez de Valladolid, who also designed the choir of the Cartuja de Miraflores in Burgos.

The Cloisters

The Cloister of the Novitiate, the oldest of the three, is characterized by its simplicity and lack of ornamentation, reflecting the austere lifestyle of the novices. Its original feature is the well, situated not in the center, but to the side of the courtyard.

The Cloister of Silence, also known as the Cloister of the Deceased, was the burial site for the friars. It features a striking Gothic ribbed vault and a serene corner where the monks would wash their hands before meals. The upper floor is adorned with the symbols of the Catholic Monarchs and the Dominican order, adding a touch of regal elegance to the otherwise somber space.

The Cloister of the Kings, the largest and most luminous of the three, served as the summer palace for the Catholic Monarchs. Its expansive arches and minimal ornamentation, save for the characteristic spheres of Ávila, give it a majestic yet understated beauty. This cloister also houses the former classrooms of the now-defunct University of Santo Tomás, where notable figures such as Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos once studied.

Museums within the Monastery

The Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás is home to two fascinating museums. The Museum of Oriental Art, inaugurated in 1964, showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts from Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and China, acquired by Dominican missionaries. The Museum of Natural Sciences, located adjacent to the former, features an impressive array of zoological specimens from around the world, offering a glimpse into the natural history studies that once took place within the monastery's walls.

In conclusion, the Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Ávila and Spain. Its stunning architecture, profound history, and serene cloisters make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this beautiful city.