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Temples

Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba

4.6 · 1,165 reviews
A quiet place for historical contemplation
Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba, Autovía Gandía-L’Ollería (CV-60), Salida 35, 46725 Alfauir, Valencia, Spain
Interesting facts
1

The monastery was founded under the patronage of the Royal House of Aragon.

2

The cloister is a rare example of a double-story structure displaying Mudejar influences in its tracery.

3

It contains a subterranean cistern of significant size, typical of the water-management systems used in the era.

4

The site was historically linked to the Borgia family, who were patrons of the monastery.

5

Following the Ecclesiastical Confiscations of Mendizábal in 1835, the monastery transitioned from religious to private ownership.

6

The garden area retains an ancient water channel system once used for irrigation and monastery supply.

7

The building incorporates a mixture of defensive military architecture and monastic residential design.

Overview

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is a 14th-century Hieronymite monastery situated in the Valencian region. It features a unique blend of Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements preserved over centuries. The complex includes an impressive cloister, a chapter house with Mudejar tiling, and extensive gardens. Originally founded in 1388 by Alfonso de Aragón, Duke of Gandia, it served as a spiritual and cultural epicenter for the region. The monastery remains a privately owned property, having been passed down through the Trenor family since the 19th-century disentailment. Visitors can explore the preserved monastic kitchen, the oil mill, and the ornate church. It stands as one of the best-preserved monastic sites in the province of Valencia.

Photo spot

The upper level of the Gothic-Mudejar cloister looking down into the courtyard.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site involves uneven stone floors and some sloping terrain.

Plan your visit to coincide with a guided tour, as these provide the most historical context regarding the private archives.

Bring a camera, as the interplay of light in the cloister and the garden views are excellent.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting during the mid-day heat of summer, as there is limited shade in the central courtyard.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays throughout the year.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet demeanor as it is a site of historical and cultural significance; follow any restricted area signs in private residential zones.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Spring or autumn for cooler temperatures while walking through the open-air gardens and cloister.
Address
Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba, Autovía Gandía-L’Ollería (CV-60), Salida 35, 46725 Alfauir, Valencia, Spain
Website
38.941, -0.246
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleGothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Baroque
Key FeaturesDouble-story cloister, Mudejar chapter house, and historical oil mill

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring or autumn for cooler temperatures while walking through the open-air gardens and cloister..

The upper level of the Gothic-Mudejar cloister looking down into the courtyard.

Close by you'll find Ducal Palace of Gandia, MUSEU FALLER DE GANDIA, Castell de Palma.