The ruins of Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias

The Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias is a Cistercian monastery in a state of ruin located in Pelayos de la Presa, Community of Madrid. Built on the north bank of Arroyo de la Presa, its construction dates back to the 12th century, though it underwent substantial refurbishing works starting in the 15th century.

The monastery's decline began following the 1836 desamortización, an ecclesial confiscation of monastic properties that led to the departure of the monks. The structure remained in a state of ruin until architect Mariano García Benito purchased the site and invested in its rehabilitation.

In 2003, García Benito donated the monastery to the municipal corporation. The landmark was officially declared a Bien de Interés Cultural pursuant to a Royal Decree on 23 November 1983, published in the BOE on 14 February 1984.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons