�vila
Monasterio de San Pedro de Alc�ntara
This fine monastery built in 1561 by San Pedro de Alc�ntara can be found near the town of Arenas de San Pedro. The founder was a reforming Franciscan monk and a personal friend of Santa Teresa de Jes�s. It is still run by a community of Franciscans, who keep it open so that the public can have an insight into the life of the monk, see various objects as well as a reproduction of a cell he occupied in the monasterty of El Palancar, in the province of C�ceres.

Badajoz
Monasterio de Tendudia
Founded in the 13th century by the Order of Santiago, this monastery is located in Calera de Le�n, in the Sierra de Tentudia and along the famous Ruta de la Plata. Its mud�jar cloister is a fine example of the genre, but the most interesting treasure in the monastery is the main altar, created in 1518 by the tile-cutter Niculoso Pisano from Seville.

Burgos
Monasterio de Santo Domingo de Silos
Belonging to the Benedictine Order, it was ordered to be built by Fern�n Gonzalez in the 11th century. It is an unmissable sight for lovers of Romanesque, and its famous cloister is one of true masterpieces of this movement.

C�ceres
Monasterio de Yuste
Located in the region of La Vera between Garganta la Olla and Jarandilla de la Vera. Founded in 1408 and expanded in1557, this palace-convent is a sober reminder of the 15th century and the last stop of the Emperor Charles I, who remained in the monastery from 1556 until his death in 1558.

Cuenca
Monasterio de Ucl�s
Near the town of Taranc�n along the N-IV motorway, this 16th-17th century monastery originally belonged to the Order of Santiago. It can be accessed through the fine southern fa�ade built 1735, and attributed to Pedro Ribera, which is noted for its decorative richness. The interior houses an impressive double cloister with 36 semi-pointed arches with sculptured elements.

Guadalajara
Monasterio de Valfermoso de las Monjas
Passing villages such as Valdearenas, Muduex and Utande, and crossing a fertile valley one reaches this monastery located in Valfermoso. It is an enchanting spot peopled by Benedictine monks since the 12th century. The Hospice is not to be missed, and provides food and lodging.

Madrid
Monasterio de El Escorial
Undoubtedly one of the most important monasteries in Spain, the first stone was laid in 1563 on the orders of Philip II and the last in 1584. Its impressive chapel and museum stand out. It is the resting place of all Spanish kings since Charles I.
Monasterio de Santa Mar�a del Paular
Located 90 kilometres from Madrid, this monastery is located in a splendid valley dissected by the Guadarrama river. It is divided into two buildings, one of which is a Benedictine monastery and the other a hotel located in the former lodgings of King Enrique de Trast�mara.

Palencia
Monasterio de San Zoilo
Located in Carri�n de los Condes, this 10th century monastery belonged to the Benedictine Order. It is currently in private hands, and has been greatly restored and prepared for mountain tourism stopovers.

Toledo
Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes
One of the best examples of Spanish-Flemish gothic, this monastery was built in the 15th century by the Catholic Kings (who intended to be buried there) to give thanks to the victory against the Portuguese troops of Alfonso V at Toro in 1476.

Salamanca
Monasterio de San Juan de la Pe�a de Francia
Near the popular tourist village of Alberca and atop the spectacular Pe�a de Francia can be found this true haven of rest and tranquillity, which is only interrupted by the many tourists that climb the mountain to take in the impressive views that captivated Miguel de Unamuno.