Monastery of El Puig
A grand 16th-century monastery steeped in history, featuring royal chambers, a printing museum, and a Gothic church.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Monastery of El Puig
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand 16th-century monastery steeped in history, featuring royal chambers, a printing museum, and a Gothic church.
"Great renowned historical place not far from Valencia, worthy to visit!"
🎯 Embrace the Guided Tour
Opt for a guided tour (around 4€) for deep historical insights. Tours typically start at 5 PM. :informationdeskperson:
🚆 Easy Train Access
Take the train to El Puig for an affordable journey (approx. 3.50€) to reach this historical gem. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Royal Hall
Inside the Monastery
Step into the chambers once exclusively used by royalty, a testament to the monastery's historical significance.
Gothic Chamber of James I
Inside the Monastery
Admire a replica of King James I's sword in this chamber, connecting you to Valencia's conquest history.
Printing and Graphic Art Museum
Within the Monastery complex
Discover the evolution of printing with fascinating exhibits showcasing Roman and Iberian pottery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Guided Tours Enhance the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Guided Tour
Opt for a guided tour (around 4€) for deep historical insights. Tours typically start at 5 PM. :informationdeskperson:
🚆 Easy Train Access
Take the train to El Puig for an affordable journey (approx. 3.50€) to reach this historical gem. :train2:
🌬️ Beat the Heat
Bring a handheld fan, as airflow can be limited inside the monastery. :windblowingface:
📸 Historic Photo Ops
The monastery offers great vistas for memorable photos, especially during events like wedding receptions. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Guided Tour
Opt for a guided tour (around 4€) for deep historical insights. Tours typically start at 5 PM. :informationdeskperson:
🚆 Easy Train Access
Take the train to El Puig for an affordable journey (approx. 3.50€) to reach this historical gem. :train2:
🌬️ Beat the Heat
Bring a handheld fan, as airflow can be limited inside the monastery. :windblowingface:
📸 Historic Photo Ops
The monastery offers great vistas for memorable photos, especially during events like wedding receptions. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Monastery of El Puig for its rich history, impressive architecture, and the value offered by its affordable guided tours. The printing museum and historical chambers are highlights, providing a deep dive into the region's past. Some note that the building can be warm with limited airflow, suggesting a visit during cooler parts of the day or bringing a fan.
"I went on an excellent guided tour with Fraile José Manuel in Spanish only which was only 4€ for about an hour of his time. We met him at the entrance at 5 pm. We were shown inter alia the outside square, cloisters, chapel, dinning room, King's Hall and Church. Definitely worth it to get a feel for a large and historic building.
"This religious building with four defensive towers was declared a National Historic Artistic Monument in 1969.
It was in 1237 when King Jaume I ordered the construction of the church on the very same spot where Father Nolasco had recently found an image of the Virgin Mary under a bell. Its construction was completed in 1240 and the church was then entrusted to the Order of Mercy, although it was not until 1588 when the construction of this impressive monastery began.
Jaume I's wife, Violante of Hungary was the strong willed queen who always supported the king in the conquest of Valencia and became a witness to the negotiation for the surrender of the city. In all the campaigns the king almost always had the queen by his side, when the Christian soldiers had low morale due to the fierce resistance of the Arabs Queen Violante appeared on the battlefield on horseback to encourage Christian forces.
Inside the Monastery, you can stroll along its cloisters, the Royal Hall exclusively used by the monarchy when visiting Valencia, James I gothic chamber where a replica of of the king's sword can be admired and the Ceramics Room with its numerous examples of Roman and Iberian pottery. The building has been used as a temple, a prison and even as a school over the years."
Mark Auchincloss
"Great renowned historical place not far from Valencia. Train to Puig costs 3,50 e and entrance with guided tour 4 euro. Plus free museum of printing. Worthy to visit!"
Mirage Cz
"We have been in the Monastery several times with friends. The guided tour is great and normally all the questions are well answered. The monastery is connected to the church and the chapel behind the altar is great. The building also host the Printing and Graphic Art Museum."
Jose Gregorio Lepervanche Valencia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by train from Valencia. The journey is affordable, costing around 3.50€, and takes you directly to El Puig, making it an easy day trip.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, arriving by train is recommended for ease. If driving, expect to find parking in the town of El Puig.
Absolutely! It's a renowned historical place not far from Valencia, easily accessible by train, making it a perfect day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The monastery is open for visits, and guided tours are often available in the late afternoon, with one mentioned starting at 5 PM. It's best to check for specific daily hours.
Entrance to the monastery itself is generally affordable. A guided tour is highly recommended and costs around 4€, which also includes access to the free printing museum.
Advance booking is usually not required for general entry, but for guided tours, it's advisable to arrive a bit early or inquire about availability, especially during peak times.
While specific discount information isn't readily available, the low cost of entry and guided tours makes it a very budget-friendly historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the cloisters, the Royal Hall, James I's Gothic Chamber with a replica sword, and the Ceramics Room featuring Roman and Iberian pottery. The building has a complex history as a temple, prison, and school.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended and offer a comprehensive understanding of the monastery's history and architecture. They are typically offered in Spanish and are very reasonably priced.
The monastery is historically significant as it was ordered by King Jaume I in 1237 on the spot where an image of the Virgin Mary was found. It has strong ties to the conquest of Valencia and royal history.
Photography is generally permitted, and the monastery offers great vistas for memorable photos, especially if you attend an event like a wedding reception.
The monastery does not have air conditioning. Visitors are advised to bring a handheld fan, as airflow can be limited, especially during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the monastery itself. However, the town of El Puig offers local dining options, and tapas and dinner were noted as amazing at a wedding reception held there.
You can expect traditional Valencian cuisine in the town of El Puig. If attending an event, the catering can be exceptional, as noted with amazing tapas and dinner.
📸 📸 Photography
The monastery offers great vistas throughout its grounds and interiors, providing ample opportunities for memorable photos. The cloisters and royal halls are particularly picturesque.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the monastery, allowing you to capture its historical charm and architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the monastery can get warm, so bringing snacks and water is advisable. The guided tours, while informative, might be long for very young children, so a shorter, self-guided exploration focusing on visually interesting areas like the cloisters could be a good alternative.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it a fantastic value for experiencing significant history and architecture without a hefty price tag. Packing your own snacks and water can further reduce costs, allowing you to enjoy a full day of exploration on a shoestring budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Royal History
Within its walls, visitors can explore the Gothic Chamber of James I, where a replica of the king's sword is displayed. This chamber offers a tangible connection to the era of conquest and the figures who shaped Valencia. The monastery's history is multifaceted, having also served as a prison and a school over the centuries, adding layers of intrigue to its already rich narrative.
Architectural and Artistic Treasures
Beyond its structural elements, the monastery houses a Printing and Graphic Art Museum. This museum provides a fascinating look into the history of printing, featuring a collection of Roman and Iberian pottery, which adds an archaeological dimension to the visit. The chapel behind the altar is also noted as being particularly great, and the overall building is described as having a lot of historic charm, making it a venue suitable for events like wedding receptions.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit