A true discovery for everyone who visits Barcelona but dreams of a beach vacation would be its “older sister” Badalona, a city on the Mediterranean coast with a wide sand beach. You would only need to hop on the subway of bustling Barcelona and a quarter of an hour later you’d be strolling down Badalona’s carefree embankment. This city’s beaches are highly valued by residents of the Catalonian capital, but seekers of historical treasures can count on many pleasant surprises as well. One of them is a monastery of an impressive size located in Betlem Valley.

The Monastery of Saint Jerome Murta was founded in the early 15th century by Barcelonian merchant Bertran Nicolau. Despite its venerable age, the monastery’s original appearance has remained well-preserved. The monastery’s greatest pride is a two-story gothic cloister with an art gallery with portraits of its famous guests, Spanish and Portuguese kings. Marvellous refectory deserves special attention. It was here that King Ferdinand and his wife Isabella welcomed Cristobal Colon, also known as Christopher Columbus to the rest of the world. At that time, the monastery was the King’s refuge. Local monks tended to his wounds inflicted during the raid of Palas del Rei. The famous voyager had just got back from his first journey to the “New World” about which he told the Spanish King. Thus, one of the most important historical events was first recounted within the walls of this medieval abode.

After the adoption of Law on separation of church from state in the 19th century, the Monastery of Saint Jerome Murta became private property and was opened to the public. All guests can not only go on a fascinating guided tour but also spend a few days in one of eight monastic cells. Also during many centuries of the monastery’s existence, local monks have been patrons of the arts. Current owners of the place actively maintain this tradition and host various musical events.