Monasterio de Santa Cristina (Ribas de Sil) in Galicia, Spain, originates from the 11th century, when monks came here to live in seclusion to meditate.
We had great difficulties in finding the hidden monastery, and had to follow winding roads for miles. Then a multitude of stone steps down…but, we were richly rewarded.
There is not much written about the monastery, or its church, but the very location and surroundings are enigmatic. I hope you noticed the stone faces watching us from above in the header…
Hidden in the forest, it was impossible to get an overview of the buildings. We walked up the layered paths, and the unreal feeling only escalated. Not many monks have ever lived here – but how did they survive? It seemed impossible that they would have grown anything in this stone paradise. No matter how green it was…
The old trees all seemed to be aware of us being there…and as I turned around on the path, one of them made my eyes wander up the trunk for his message…resting some four, five meters up…
Leya 
Those trees are amazing . . . . and the ruins of the monastery stunning, not sure I’d like to have lived there though!
Me neither…but a visit is thrilling!
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Wonderful place! Very mysterious and beautiful.
I would have liked to know more about it…I wish there had been someone in the street or an open door…
Yes, so mysterious. 🙂
What an amazing place! 😮 Well done for finding it, and the way back too!
Hehe, we got lost on our way back and had to drive quite some miles extra..
What a treasure you found.
Sometimes when we go for it – we find it as well.
How delightful this place is. The tree looks so very old and the teddy bear seems to like his seat there. 🙂
I am sure the teddy loved his views from up there!
Very special to find a place like this, Leya. Your opening photo was so inviting. I couldn’t refuse the invitation. 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Thanks Jo – happy Sunday to you as well! Hoping the rain will stop…
How enchanting indeed. 🙂
If it were easy to find, it wouldn’t be hidden, right? 🙂 Thanks for the virtual tour, A-C.
janet
Sometimes it is good not to be easily found…:-)
Wonderful history and great pictures. Thanks, I doubt I’d be able to get there now too.
Thank you, and O, I think you could. The trouble is to find the road there…
Oh, what a wonderful place, Ann-Christine! Thanks for the virtual wander….I would never be able to walk the miles needed to get there!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! And indeed, the way to get there was difficult…I wonder how the monks ever managed…
Wish I had known about it when I was fitter!