Apartments Costa Brava > Costa Brava guide > Monasterio de Santa Maria de Ripoll (Ripoll)
Costa Brava Tourist Guide
Monasterio de Santa Maria de Ripoll (Ripoll) (Monastery)
Address: Pl. Abat Oliba, s/n
Landline number: +34 972704203
The Benedictine monastery and Ripoll was founded by Count Wifredo, "El Belloso", in the 9th century. It soon became a major cultural centre during the High Middle Ages, which is why it was extended up until the 12th century, when it ended up more or less as it looks today.
The main feature of the monastery is its Romanesque front façade dating from the 12th century, that is divided into seven horizontal strips, in which Biblical, historical and allegorical scenes are depicted. The inside of the building retains three of its naves where once there were five.
The tombs of several counts, including those of Besalu and Barcelona, as well as the tomb of the founder of the building Guifre el Pilos, lie in the transept and central nave walls of the church.
The cloister has two levels. Building began in the 12th century, to be then put on hold until the end of the 14th century. The upper gallery was completed in the 16th century.
Timetables: 1 November to 31 March, 9.00am-1.00pm and 3.00pm-7.00pm. 1 April to 31 October, 9.00am-1.00pm and 3.00pm-6.00pm.
Entry fee: General admission: 3 €. Reduced: €2 (groups of over 20 people, retired people and students)
