DGPM 1117 EL MONASTERIO DE OSEIRA

Oseira is a secluded place, hidden among the mountains of inland Galicia. Deep in the valley rises the imposing monastery, seemingly defying the passage of time. In eight centuries, it has survived a fire, the confiscation of church property and the expulsion of the monks, and pillaging. Today, the abbey is too large for the sixteen Cistercian monks who live within its walls, praying and working. The monastery gates are open. Brother Alfonso is the abbey's guest. This 62-year-old from Seville became a monk in Oseira. He entered four years ago after a life as a nurse. Brother Alfonso leads us through the silent, dimly lit cloisters. We must not make a sound while walking, and always speak in hushed tones so as not to disturb the profound silence of the monks. The guesthouse is in the third cloister. The former cells are now comfortable rooms for guests who come to Oseira in search of solitude and silence.