The Trappist ruins of St. Susanna, named for a local patron saint

The Trappist ruins of St. Susanna, named for a local patron saint

How a monastery, established by Benedictines, rebuilt by Calatravans, given to Cistercians, and taken over by French Trappists, came to be named after a local saint, despite historical inconsistencies.

The Monasterio de Santa María de la Trapa de Santa Susana, known locally as Trapa de Santa Susana or La Trapa, is a parish church and a former monastery located on a road north of Maella in Aragon, Spain. Originally established by Benedictine monks in the 6th century, the monastery underwent several changes. It was rebuilt with the help of the Order of Calatrava in its early years, and was later given to the Cistercians. During the time of the French Revolution, French Trappist monks took control and a thriving Trappist community was established. However, despite these changes, the monastery is known by one constant name: Trapa de Santa Susana, or the ruins of Saint Susanna. According to local tradition, the monastery was named after Saint Susanna, known locally as 'Virgen de Levante', the 'Levantine Virgin'.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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