The Monastery of Santa María de Oia was founded during the first half of the 12th century. The exact date has been a subject of controversy, as some sources rely on documents of doubtful authenticity. It is not until 1149 that the first reliable reference to this house appears, in a donation made by Alfonso VII (1105-1157). According to historian Portela, its foundation could be dated to the year 1145.
It is believed that this monastery emerged from the integration of various hermitic establishments in the surrounding area, which were grouped into this one at Oia. Additionally, a modern legend suggests that it was founded by monks from the Monastery of Melón, who supposedly arrived there by sea. Initially, it was a Benedictine house, but later it moved closer to the Cistercian order. Probably in the year 1185, it fully integrated into this order. The monastery benefited from various royal donations, granted by monarchs such as Alfonso IX, Sancho IV, and Henry III.
By the mid-15th century, the monastery was in decline, worsened by the intervention of laypersons in its affairs and the adoption of the commendatory system. Later, a reform was initiated, and despite some initial resistance, in 1547 it was integrated into the Cistercian Congregation of Castile, allowing it to undertake reconstruction works to restore its ancient structures. Oia is a special case due to its location: situated right next to the Atlantic Ocean, it has been constantly exposed to the force of maritime storms. It also had to be fortified to defend itself against possible attacks from the sea.
The monastery suffered the effects of the Peninsular War, which forced the community to flee. Once recovered, it faced another exclaustration and loss of property during the Liberal Triennium (1820-1823). Finally, in 1835 it was permanently suppressed, although in 1838 the church regained its function as a parish, while the monastery was sold to private owners. By the early 20th century, the building had deteriorated. Later, it was temporarily occupied by the Jesuits and, during the Spanish Civil War, it was used as a concentration camp. Eventually, it returned to private hands and remains awaiting restoration.
Of the original monastic complex, the medieval church has been preserved. Built between the late 12th and the first half of the 13th century, it has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries. It is a three-nave building, with a transept and a chevet composed of five rectangular-plan apses: three central ones aligned with the naves and two lateral ones facing the transept. The façade, however, dates from the 18th century. To the north of the church stands the 16th-century cloister, with two floors, surrounded by other monastic buildings.
Affiliation of Oia
According to Originum Cisterciensium (L. Janauschek, 1877)
- COSTAS, Fernando Javier (2018). Testimonios del horror de la Guerra Civil española en los muros del monasterio de Oia. Glaucopis, núm. 23
- FREIRE CAMANIEL, José (1998). El monacato gallego en la alta edad media, vol. II. La Corunya: Fund. Pedro Barrié de la Maza
- GARCÍA GUINEA, Miguel Ángel; dir. (2012). Enciclopedia del románico en Galicia. Pontevedra. Aguilar de Campoo: Fundación Santa María la Real
- JANAUSCHEK, Leopoldus (1877). Originum Cisterciensium. Vol. 1. Viena
- LEITE RODRIGUES, Ana Paula (2016). En torno a un territorio periférico y fronterizo: la relación del monasterio de Santa María de Oia con el poder regio portugués (siglos XII a XV). Studia Histórica, vol. 34
- MANRIQUE, Angel (1649). Cisterciensium Annalium, Vol. 3. Lió: L. Anisson
- MANSO PORTO, Carmen (2002). El monasterio de Santa María la Real de Oia. Estudio histórico-artístico. Cuadernos de estudios gallegos, núm. 115
- PÉREZ RODRÍGUEZ, Francisco Javier (2008). Mosteiros de Galicia na Idade Media. Ourense: Deputación Provincial de Ourense
- PORTELA, Ermelindo (2017). Tiempos de reforma y espacios de frontera. En torno a los orígenes del monasterio de Santa María de Oia. Revista Chilena de Estudios Medievales, núm. 12
- REY CORTEGOSO, Juan (2010). Construcción y destrucción del Monasterio de Santa María de Oia. Glaucopis, núm. 15
- SÁ BRAVO, Hipólito de (1972). El monacato en Galicia. Vol. 2. La Corunya: Librigal
- YAÑEZ NEIRA, Damián; coord. (2000). Monasticón cisterciense gallego, vol. 1. Lleó: Edilesa
The monastery is located by the Atlantic coast, west of Tui