Sant Jeroni de Cotalba: a magical journey back to the Middle Ages

The historical heritage is rich and diverse in the Region of Valencia. Many destinations are home to ecclesiastical buildings that speak of the past, of their highs and lows, and of what life was like in different periods.  Monasterio de Sant Jeroni de Cotalba, Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery, is a fine example of this. If you’re wondering where Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery is, the answer is Alfauir, a municipality that is just 8km from Gandia. 

The building was constructed in the late 14th century atop a Muslim almoina that the Duke of Gandia purchased to provide a home for the Hieronymite community in Xàbia. The magic of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery is that over its 600 plus years of life, it has incorporated the styles of the time, creating a fascinating mosaic that you simply have to see. 

You will find elements of the Mudejar Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical and Gothic Revival styles in the building. Its history is boundless: it is the first monastery of the Hieronymite Order and it is believed that Pere March, the father of the poet Ausiàs March and butler of the duke, designed the structure of the monastery and drew up the plans. 

The cloister at Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery is one of its most characteristic elements. Here you can see the two-colour – red and white – arches, which are typical of the Mudejar period, and the patio populated with orange trees, lofty date palms and mushrooms. And while we’re speaking about gardens, you simply have to see the monastery’s. These beautiful, romantic gardens were commissioned by the Trénor family in the early 20th century. They contain a large variety of non-native plants and trees as well as a pond and a pine forest surrounding the gardens where you can go hiking and mountain biking.

Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Monastery is open to visitors all year round so there’s no excuse not to go. The guided tours (living history, family-friendly and nocturnal tours are available) will take you on a deep dive into the building’s stories and anecdotes in what is always a fun, educational experience. Are you keen to find out more? Watch the video and start your exploration of the monastery. You won’t want to miss it.