Project

The Royal Monastery of San Clemente was first built in 1131 by King Alfonso VII. The structure was built on existing Moorish houses and became one of the largest monastic complexes in Toledo. In the 16th century, the monastery was transformed by several noted architects, including Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan Del Corral. (...)

The Royal Monastery of San Clemente was first built in 1131 by King Alfonso VII. The structure was built on existing Moorish houses and became one of the largest monastic complexes in Toledo. In the 16th century, the monastery was transformed by several noted architects, including Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan Del Corral. The main cloister was built by Covarrubias’ successor on the project, Nicolás de Vergara el Mozo, in the early Renaissance style over an existing courtyard.

In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War,the convent was damaged by several bombings. Minor restoration work following the bombing uncovered the remains of 15th century stucco decoration and paintings.

In the later 20th and 21st centuries, the deterioration of the monastery became a severe issue. The tile work of the chapterhouse had been affected by rising damp and salt efflorescence caused by an adjacent cistern. The wooden ceiling was damaged by moisture as well as from a fire from a laundry operated by the nuns next to the chapterhouse.