Monasterio de Santa María de las Cuevas

Description:

• The monastery of Santa María de las Cuevas stands on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, and has a long history and tradition in Seville. A 13th-century legend tells of how the image of a virgin appeared in a cave (hence the name - cuevas means caves) and a small chapel was erected on the site to worship the Virgin. Later, at the end of the 14th century, the monastery was built. In 1840 the English merchant Charles Pickman decided to buy it and set up a porcelain and china ware factory, which became one of the most prestigious in the world. There are now several buildings: the Santa Catalina Chapel, the San Bruno Chapel and the 15th-century Mudéjar church, with Gothic and baroque elements. It is also the seat of Andalusia's centre for Contemporary Art, which is always putting on exhibitions. Groups need to arrange to visit in advance.
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