13th-Century Cloisters Whisper Ancient Secrets: Santo Domingo in Jerez de la

The labyrinthine Cloisters of Santo Domingo in Jerez de la Frontera are shrouded in mystery. Originally built by the Almohads and later donated to the Dominicans by King Alfonso X in 1264, the Cloisters were expanded by the Dominicans, completing construction in 1595. However, a 14th-century document claims that the Dominicans forged a document to claim ownership over lands beyond the city limits, including a field and an orchard intended for the construction of the monastery.

By the 18th century, the Dominicans were expelled, and the monastery fell into a state of decay. It wasn't until 1908 that Salvador Díez y Pérez de Muñoz, a local businessman and historian, purchased the monastery and began its restoration. Today, the Cloisters are a popular cultural and architectural destination in Jerez de la Frontera, featuring a deambulatorio, original walls from the 13th century, and a grave from the 16th century. The Cloisters are organized around a central courtyard, with two-story-tall passages covered by simple cruceria vaults.

The Claustro Alto dates from the 18th century, while the Dormitorio Bajo is from the 16th century, housing the monks' sleeping quarters. A Renaissance-style vault can be found in the refectorio, while the Oratorio de Diego de Ribadeneira, with a grate from 1572, provides a glimpse of its history. The Portada Almohade, the only visible remnant of the original Islamic building, was given to the Dominicans after the conquest of the city in 1264.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons