Magic hour at the Monastery of Pedralbes

The Monestir de Pedralbes celebrates summer with 'L'hora màgica', when the cloister opens to the public for free on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6pm to 9pm.

An icon of Gothic architecture, the monastery was founded in 1326 by the widowed Queen Elisenda de Montcada, and nearly since its beginnings until 1983 it was inhabited by the Poor Clare order of nuns. The architecture of the space revolves around the cloister, which is considered one of the biggest and most harmonious examples of Gothic architecture in the world, featuring three storeys, each with 26 columns. This was where the nuns would walk and meditate, contemplating nature; the medicinal garden is an elaborate re-creation based on ancient texts.

Also worth viewing are the pointed arches, the capitals, adorned with elements of nature and heraldic shields of the royal house and the Montcada family, and the wooden roof. Take in Gothic beauty and tranquility for free, two days a week, just 20 minutes from the city centre.