Royal Monastery of St. Jerome

The Royal Monastery of St Jerome was founded by the Catholic Kings in 1492. It consists of a church, two cloisters with gardens decorated with fountains and orange trees, and several rooms. The façade and the tower belong to the first Renaissance.

It has a Latin cross plan with only one nave covered by Gothic vaults and side chapels. The transept and the Major chapel were carried out by Jacopo Florentino. Renaissance and Mannerist characteristics are reflected in the altarpiece of the Major Altar, from 1570- 1605.

It spreads out from the front of the apse to the vault and consists of four bodies built over an attic that flaunts several valuable sculptures, relieves and sculptures “in the round” that represents scenes related to Christ´ s life.

On its sides there are sculptures in kneeling position by Gonzalo Fernández de Córcova, known as the Great Captain, whose burial place is the crypt as well as his wife´ s, Doña María Manrique. The sculpture group of the Christ´ s funeral, by Florentino is amazing. The beauty of its courtyards and gardens, as well as its cloisters should be highlighted.

Interesting resources

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