Monastery of Ucles

About

Originally the site of a Bronze Age fortress, the hilltop was hotly contested for centuries until finally be reconquered by the Christians a second time in 1174. The Christian refortified it, and it kept its military role until 1529 when construction on the monastery began. Over the centuries the Renaissance facade was updated, and now exhibits Baroque ornamentation, most notable the south facade built by Pedro de Ribera. The refectory has a stunning coffered ceiling with representations of the knights of the Order. The church still has several side chapels dating from the 16th century, as well as an ornate altarpiece with a painting by Francisco Ricci. Interred here are the nobleman Don Rodrigo and his son Jorge Manrique, author of "Stanzas on the death of his father".