Step back in time as you explore the Ruins of Santo Domingo Convent, a captivating historical site nestled in the charming city of Pontevedra, Spain. Known locally as Ruinas de Santo Domingo, these remnants of a 14th-century Gothic convent offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich past and architectural splendor.
The story of the Ruins of Santo Domingo Convent begins in the late 13th century when the Dominican friars arrived in Pontevedra. Initially establishing their convent in A Moureira near the medieval city walls, they soon relocated to the site where the ruins stand today. Construction of the convent's head began around 1304 or 1305, with significant additions made throughout the 15th century.
The convent witnessed its share of turmoil, particularly during the English attack on Pontevedra in 1719, when General Honywood's troops set fire to the convent and its church. Despite efforts to restore the Gothic church with a new Neoclassical nave in the late 18th century, the project was halted in 1835 due to financial constraints. The Mendizábal Disentailment, which led to the sale of religious orders' properties, marked the beginning of the convent's decline.
On December 8, 1836, the convent was officially closed and handed over to the Board of Alienation of Buildings and Effects of Suppressed Convents of the Province of Pontevedra. Over the following years, the building served various purposes, including a women's prison, a hospice, and a nursery school. However, it gradually fell into disrepair, and by 1846, some of its materials were being repurposed for paving streets.
In 1864, the Chapel of San Jacinto was demolished, and between 1869 and 1870, the upper part of the tower was also dismantled. Despite numerous attempts by the municipality to demolish the entire structure, public outcry and the efforts of the Provincial Commission of Monuments prevented complete destruction. In 1889, the Archaeological Society of Pontevedra began advocating for the preservation of the ruins, ultimately leading to their declaration as a National Monument in 1895.
The Archaeological Society of Pontevedra played a crucial role in the preservation and restoration of the Ruins of Santo Domingo Convent. In 1894, the society chose the site as the future home of the projected museum. By 1938, the convent ruins were incorporated into the Provincial Museum of Pontevedra, transforming the space into an archaeological section dedicated to the city's and province's history.
In 2008, during the construction of an underground parking lot in Plaza de España, additional remnants of the Gothic church and an exterior cemetery were uncovered, further enriching the site's historical significance.
Today, visitors can admire the porticoed head of the church, featuring five chapels corresponding to the transept's transverse arm. This unique five-apse design is a rare example of Gothic architecture in Galicia. The church originally boasted a Latin cross layout, with wooden ceilings and ribbed vaults in the apse chapels. The high walls housed pointed windows adorned with colorful stained glass, while the main façade showcased an impressive rose window.
The museum space within the ruins displays an array of stone artifacts related to the history of Pontevedra and its surroundings. Outside, visitors can explore not only the ruins but also the tombs of notable Pontevedra figures, guild tombstones, and a vast collection of heraldic shields from noble houses in the city and province.
The preserved chapels offer a glimpse into the convent's former grandeur:
The sacristy, located opposite the chapels, features a relocated rose window from the northern façade, now serving as the entrance to the site. Adjacent to the sacristy is the entrance to the chapter house, preceded by an archway from the old convent.
Among the notable tombs on display is that of Payo Gómez de Sotomayor. The chapter house, with its 15th-century lobed arches, was expanded to showcase delicate pieces such as capitals, statues, tympanums, and baldachins. The entrance to this room features an arch reconstructed from the western portal of the old San Bartolomé el Viejo church, demolished in 1842.
In conclusion, the Ruins of Santo Domingo Convent stand as a testament to the resilience of history and architecture. This enchanting site invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of Pontevedra, making it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
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