Monastery of San Salvador de Asma
Mosteiro de San Salvador de Asma / San Salvador de Chantada / Plantata / Hasma
(Chantada, Lugo)
San Salvador de Asma was a family-type monastery, initially double, hosting both monks and nuns. Its foundation is attributed to Counts Ero Ordóñez and Adosinda and is believed to date back to around the 9th century, according to a document written by their great-granddaughter in 1073. However, some architectural remains from an earlier period suggest that at least the church predates this time. At an indeterminate period, possibly around 1100, the monastery adopted the Rule of Saint Benedict, although this date could be later if we consider that it maintained the character of a double monastery for a longer period.
The first known abbot is Aloito, who is mentioned in the document of 1073. This monastery was the centre of a lordship that administered the territory, with powers of civil and criminal jurisdiction. It also maintained a number of parishes under its jurisdiction. The monastery was favoured by royalty, and there are records of donations and grants of privileges in its favour made by Alfonso IX of León, Fernando III of Castile, Alfonso X, Sancho IV and other successors, who ensured that the monastery's rights were defended.
Despite this, the monastery fell into a state of decline by the mid-14th century and experienced a period of economic hardship. By the end of the 15th century, it was reformed and placed under the Congregation of San Benito de Valladolid. A papal bull issued by Pope Alexander VI in 1496 annexed it to the great Castilian house, which effectively governed the priory of Chantada. The monastery's church, which has a single nave from the medieval period, is still preserved, though it has undergone significant modifications. Other buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries have also been preserved.
- FREIRE CAMANIEL, José (1998). El monacato gallego en la alta edad media, vol. II. La Corunya: Fund. Pedro Barrié de la Maza
- MÉNDEZ PEREZ, José (2008). ¿Familiares de San Rosendo en la fundación de San Salvador de Chantada?, Ero Ordóñez versus Ero Fernández. Rudesindus, núm. 3
- MÉNDEZ PÉREZ, José (2010). Los abades de San Salvador de Chantada. Estudios Mindonienses, núm. 26
- MÉNDEZ PÉREZ, José (2012). El problema de Ermesenda en los dos primeros documentos del monasterio de Chantada, una nota aclaratoria. Rudesindus, núm. 8
- PÉREZ GONZÁLEZ, José María; dir. (2018). Enciclopedia del Románico en Galicia. Lugo. Aguilar de Campoo: Fundación Santa María la Real
- PÉREZ RODRÍGUEZ, Francisco Javier (2008). Mosteiros de Galicia na Idade Media. Ourense: Deputación Provincial de Ourense
The monastery is located south of Chantada, near the road linking Lugo and Ourense