Moreruela Abbey

The abbey is situated to the west of Granja de Moreruela, about 35 kilometres north of the town of Zamora close to the left bank of the Esla, a tributary of the Duero.

Before the time of the Cistercians, a monastery of the Benedictines already stood on the site, founded for them either by the Asturian King Alfonso III or by Saint Froilan, which under the patronage of Alfonso VII the Cistercians took over.

The date of this takeover is often put at 1131/1133, which would make Moreruela the earliest Cistercian foundation in Spain.

The apse at the east end is completely preserved and has a vaulted ambulatory round a rectangular choir, with seven chapels as at Clairvaux.[n.

[1] Of the conventual buildings to the north of the church, the chapter house among others remains, although partly reconstructed.