Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a beautiful town that is dominated by the colossal Mudejar style Real Monasterio de Santa María de Guadalupe (Royal Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe), which dates from the 14th century and is home to numerous valuable works of art. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993. The square chapel of Santa Catalina was built in the 15th century and includes some 17th-century tombs. Behind the basilica is the baroque Camarin de la Virgen, which was built in 1696. It contains a throne with a statue of the Virgin. The Mudéjar cloister was constructed from 1389 to 1405. The late Gothic cloister dates from the 1530's. The new church was commissioned in 1730. The palace of Isabella I of Castile dated from the end of the 15th century, but is was demolished in 1856. The Temple of the Holy Trinity was constructed in the 18th century.

There are several interesting museums in Guadalupe. The Embroidery Museum has an exhibition of liturgical vestments made in its embroidery workshop. It includes pieces that cover the period between 15th and 19th centuries. The Museum of Books and Cantonals exhibits examples of cantonals, as well as two 15th century passionaries. The Museum of sculpture and painting includes paintings by Goya and El Greco.

Accommodation is available in town. Guadalupe is in Extremadura, 180 km southwest op Madrid.