Cloister San Francisco
A 14th-century Gothic cloister showcasing intricate Romanesque-Gothic transition with detailed plant & animal sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Cloister San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century Gothic cloister showcasing intricate Romanesque-Gothic transition with detailed plant & animal sculptures.
"Remarkable Gothic cloister, one of the best preserved Franciscan cloisters in Galicia."
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Join the free guided tour for fascinating insights into the history and symbolism. Guides are very helpful!
🚶♀️ A Bit of a Climb
It's a bit of a climb up from the center, but manageable. Wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Arches & Sculptures
Cloister
Marvel at the 14th-century Gothic arches adorned with intricate plant and animal motifs, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic transition styles.
Symbolic Capital Decorations
Cloister Capitals
Discover detailed carvings of Apostles, Old Testament scenes, hunting, and fishing, symbolizing the Christian struggle against sin.
Chapterhouse Entrance
Chapterhouse Arcade
Admire the 16th-century reconstructed chapterhouse entrance, flanked by figures of the Virgin of the Assumption and Saint Michael.
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Planning Your Visit
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Embrace the Free Guided Tour
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Join the free guided tour for fascinating insights into the history and symbolism. Guides are very helpful!
🚶♀️ A Bit of a Climb
It's a bit of a climb up from the center, but manageable. Wear comfortable shoes!
🏛️ Adjacent Exhibits
Don't miss the historical exhibits housed in a beautiful space next door.
⛪ Visit the Church
Make sure to also visit the church, which was famously moved.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Join the free guided tour for fascinating insights into the history and symbolism. Guides are very helpful!
🚶♀️ A Bit of a Climb
It's a bit of a climb up from the center, but manageable. Wear comfortable shoes!
🏛️ Adjacent Exhibits
Don't miss the historical exhibits housed in a beautiful space next door.
⛪ Visit the Church
Make sure to also visit the church, which was famously moved.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cloister San Francisco for its historical significance, beautiful Gothic architecture, and intricate sculptures. The free guided tours are consistently highlighted as a major plus, with guides being passionate and informative. It's considered a worthwhile and peaceful place for reflection and a short history lesson, though some note the climb to reach it.
"Great place for a short history lesson, quite interesting and beautiful. Good place to reflect"
howard mcfarland
"A must-see. The free guided tour is worth it."
Will
""The gothic cloister of San Francisco is one of the best preserved franciscan cloisters of the transition between Romanesque and gothic styles in Galicia. They're remarkable in their sculpture and architecture. The cloister dates back to 1325-1350 is the most ancient piece of the original convent. It's gothic in style on an irregular floor plan with three series of arcades with double columns on a stone base.
The rectangular floor plan of the cloister is defined by paired columns supporting 63 arches with decoration on the spring, capitals and corbels. And 76 paired columns except the last 4 have quadrangular pillars.
The work of the capitals is beautiful with Romanesque reminiscences and remarkable nailheads on the large bead moulding's arches.
The internal face of the arches presents sculptures of the Apostles Saint James and Peter.
In the sculptural decoration of the capitals there are mixed with vegetal motifs, zoomorphic elements, real and imaginary animals anthropomorphic forms and scenes from the old testament, hunting and war.
The idea constantly repeated in the cloister is the Christians struggle against the sins portrayed through the scenes of hunting snd fishing. The work of the decorative diamond tops is very refined.
On the opposite side of the square is an arcade with 5 arches leading to the chapterhouse reconstructed in the 16th century. The entry is flanked by the figures of the Virgin of the Assumption and Saint Michael.
In 1835 the cloister was turned into barracks until the army left in 1987".
Although few visit the cloisters it's worth it and is free. The guides are also really helpful and speak English too. Next to it you can also visit a collection of historical exhibits housed in a beautiful exhibition space. Bit of a climb up from centre but not too difficult."
Mark Auchincloss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cloister is located a bit of a climb from the city center. While public transport options might be limited, walking is a popular choice for those who enjoy a scenic route. Wear comfortable shoes as advised by visitors.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but street parking might be available in the surrounding areas. It's advisable to check local parking regulations upon arrival.
Many visitors find walking from the city center to be a rewarding experience, offering views of the surroundings. Be prepared for an uphill walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cloister is free to visit, making it an accessible historical site for everyone.
Specific opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check locally or look for updated information closer to your visit. However, it's generally accessible during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required as the entrance is free. You can typically visit at your leisure during opening hours.
As the entrance is free, there are no specific discounts to consider. Everyone can enjoy this historical gem without charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the details and whether you take the guided tour.
Yes, children can appreciate the visual aspects of the sculptures and architecture. The historical context might be more engaging for older children.
Absolutely! Free guided tours are highly recommended. The guides are passionate and make the visit much more informative and interesting.
The cloister is a remarkable example of the transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles, dating back to the 14th century.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the beauty of the arches and sculptures. Be mindful of other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the cloister itself. However, you'll find various eateries in the surrounding city center.
The nearby city center offers a range of restaurants and cafes, from traditional local cuisine to more contemporary options. Explore the area for your preferred dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The arches themselves, the detailed capitals, and the chapterhouse entrance are prime spots. The interplay of light and shadow through the arcades is particularly photogenic.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. It's a great place to capture architectural details and historical artistry.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting as the sun casts long shadows, enhancing the architectural features. Early mornings can provide a quieter setting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cloister itself is a quiet place for reflection, the adjacent historical exhibits offer a more interactive experience that might appeal to younger visitors. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a bit of a climb to reach the site from the city center.
🏛️ History Buffs
The detailed sculptural program, with its religious symbolism and everyday scenes, offers a rich tapestry of medieval life and beliefs. The free guided tours are invaluable, providing in-depth historical context and architectural insights from knowledgeable guides.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk from the city center, which is also free and offers scenic views. The free guided tours further enhance the value, providing a wealth of information without additional expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The paired columns, numbering 76 in total (with the last four being quadrangular pillars), are a key architectural feature. The capitals themselves are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, displaying a blend of vegetal motifs, zoomorphic elements, and anthropomorphic forms. These intricate carvings often depict scenes from the Old Testament, as well as hunting and war, carrying symbolic meaning related to the Christian struggle against sin.
Beyond the main cloister, the arcade leading to the chapterhouse, reconstructed in the 16th century, is also noteworthy. Flanked by figures of the Virgin of the Assumption and Saint Michael, this entrance adds another layer of historical and artistic interest to the site. The overall impression is one of enduring beauty and historical depth.
Symbolism in Sculpture
Look closely at the capitals, and you'll find a diverse array of imagery. Alongside vegetal motifs, there are zoomorphic elements, real and imaginary animals, and anthropomorphic forms. The work on the decorative diamond tops is particularly refined, showcasing the skill of the medieval artisans. The internal face of the arches even features sculptures of the Apostles Saint James and Peter, adding a layer of spiritual significance.
This detailed iconography offers a glimpse into the medieval worldview and the importance of religious narratives in daily life. The constant repetition of themes like the fight against sin underscores the spiritual focus of the Franciscan order and the era in which the cloister was built.
Historical Journey of the Cloister
Following the secularization of church property, the cloister underwent a significant transformation in 1835 when it was repurposed as barracks for the army. This period of military use lasted until 1987, marking a substantial departure from its original religious function. The building adapted to new purposes, though its historical and artistic integrity remained.
After the army's departure, efforts were likely made to preserve and potentially restore the cloister, allowing it to be appreciated today as a historical monument. Its journey from a place of worship to military quarters and now a site of historical interest highlights its enduring presence and adaptability through centuries of change.
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