Real Monasterio de la Visitación de Santa María

In the heart of Orihuela, nestled within the historic center of this charming Spanish city, stands the Real Monasterio de la Visitación de Santa María. This monumental structure, with its imposing presence and neoclassical architecture, is a testament to the city's rich heritage and its significant role in Spanish history. The monastery, commonly known as Las Salesas, is not just a religious edifice but a symbol of the cultural and historical tapestry of Orihuela.

A Historical Gem

The Real Monasterio de la Visitación de Santa María was founded in the early 19th century under the patronage of the Spanish infantes Carlos María Isidro de Borbón and his wife, María Francisca de Braganza. The construction began in the early 1800s and was completed in 1832. The monastery's establishment is deeply intertwined with the carlist movements of the time, reflecting Orihuela's fervent support for the Carlist cause and its strategic importance in the region.

The site of the monastery holds a storied past. Before the current structure was built, it was occupied by the Jesuits, who used it as a center for education, offering courses in grammar, rhetoric, philosophy, and theology. Following their expulsion by King Carlos III, the building was repurposed to continue serving educational needs, specifically as a school for girls from Orihuela and its diocese.

In 1837, the government suppressed the convent, transferring the community to Madrid. The monastery was later acquired by Matías Sorzano Najera in 1844, who generously donated it back to the Salesian nuns. These nuns had initially abandoned the monastery but returned to continue their religious and educational missions.

In recent years, the monastery faced challenges due to a decline in vocations and the aging of the community. In January 2013, the Salesian nuns left the monastery, and in 2018, a new community of six nuns from the Pro Ecclesia Sancta congregation took residence. This congregation, founded in Peru, continues to support the pastoral activities of the Orihuela Cathedral and the local Oratory Festivo school.

Architectural Splendor

The Real Monasterio de la Visitación de Santa María is a striking example of neoclassical architecture. The building covers approximately 5,800 square meters, with 2,300 square meters dedicated to the constructed area, including a garden with a large cistern for irrigation and a quadrangular cloister. The cloister, with its three-story structure, forms the core of the monastery, providing a serene and contemplative space for the nuns.

The cloister's design features rectangular pillars with Doric pilasters and semicircular arches on the ground floor, constructed from ashlar masonry. The upper floors, built with rendered masonry, present a harmonious blend of solid and void spaces, with windows aligning with the arches below. The courtyard is paved with square tiles, known as garbancillo, and houses a central well, adding to the tranquil ambiance.

The monastery's main staircase, located in the northeast corner, is a remarkable feature, possibly originating from the original Jesuit building. Constructed from gray stone, it has a rectangular layout and a double-return design. A secondary staircase is situated in the west wing, and a modern elevator has been added in the southwest corner, albeit with some architectural compromises.

The upper floors host the nuns' cells and communal areas, with corridors that alternate their connection to the courtyard, optimizing sunlight and ventilation. The southern wing initially had two floors but was later extended with an additional upper floor, as evidenced by the preserved original cornice.

The monastery's entrances are located on the east facade, with one leading to the nuns' quarters and the other to the church's main entrance. The doors and windows feature original carpentry and ironwork, and the interiors are adorned with 18th-century tiles and small altars dispersed throughout the building.

The Church of the Visitation

The Church of the Visitation, part of the monastery complex, is a masterpiece of neoclassical design, reflecting the artistic principles promoted by the Academies of Fine Arts. The church has a Latin cross layout with a single nave, divided into four contiguous sections. The side chapels are subtly recessed into the walls, with Palladian-style half-columns supporting a cornice that runs along the entire length of the nave, except for the front facade.

The nave is covered with a barrel vault with lunettes and transverse arches. The side chapels feature red marble altars, with paintings by Vicente López framed by fluted pilasters, gilded and topped with cherubs. Each altar is crowned with a laurel wreath containing floral decorations and symbols of the saints to whom they are dedicated.

The transept, or crossing, of the church is particularly notable for its depth, forming a secondary transverse nave. The intersection of the two naves is covered by a groin vault, and the exterior is topped with a half-orange dome, adorned with blue glazed tiles. The altars in the transept are larger and more elaborately decorated than those in the nave, featuring stucco work that simulates matte finishes.

A Living Heritage

Today, the Real Monasterio de la Visitación de Santa María continues to be a living testament to Orihuela's rich history and cultural heritage. The monastery and its church not only serve as religious and educational centers but also as symbols of the city's enduring spirit and commitment to preserving its historical legacy. Visitors to Orihuela can immerse themselves in the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the monastery, exploring its architectural beauty and reflecting on the stories of faith and dedication that have shaped its history.