Monastery of Santa María de Xunqueira de Espadanedo

Although Cistercian tradition dates Xunqueira’s affiliation with this order to the year 1170, it remained a Benedictine monastery until at least 1174. After joining the Cistercian order, the original dedication was replaced with that of Santa María, as was common in the order. This change is documented from 1235 onward. Soon, the monastery accumulated a vast territory, thanks to donations and royal privileges, particularly from Ferdinand II of León (1137-1188), in a document that is now lost but was ratified by his son, Alfonso IX, in 1227. In the 15th century, the monastery entered a period of decline, both economically and in terms of discipline within the community.

The medieval church is preserved, with a basilica floor plan featuring three naves, five bays, and three apses. This structure was built during the final years of the 12th century, with the arrival of the Cistercians, and was completed in the early decades of the 13th century. In the 19th century, the church underwent some modifications, particularly to its façade. The cloister, constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries, was surrounded by the monastery’s other facilities.