Hidden Capitals in the Monastery

When the Monastery of Santa María la Real was restored, ancient pieces were discovered hidden within the walls. Thanks to these findings, we can better understand what the building was like in the Middle Ages. Among the pieces that were found, three capitals —the upper part of columns— stand out. They were carved around 800 years ago, around the year 1200.

The first is made of sandstone and is a triple capital decorated with leaves that curve at their ends to form volutes. These shapes tell us about a time when the monastery was growing: the chapter house was being built and the cloister was beginning to be covered with stone ribbed vaults. The monks were transforming the building, and this capital probably formed part of those works. Its style is very similar to what we see in another important monastery in the area: San Andrés de Arroyo.

The other two capitals are even more striking. They are carved in dolomite, a harder type of stone, and show very detailed workmanship. One of them features two harpies wearing caps, resting on acanthus leaves. Harpies are fantastic creatures: they are usually shown with a human face, a winged body, and sometimes a reptile-like tail. In the Middle Ages, it was common to include this kind of creature in churches and monasteries. The third capital, made by a sculptor closely connected to the previous one —perhaps even the same person— is decorated with finely carved acanthus leaves, worked with great precision.

These capitals are very similar to others that can be seen in nearby churches, such as Santa Eufemia de Cozuelos, Revilla de Santullán, or Zorita del Páramo. This shows us that sculptors travelled and worked in different buildings, sharing the same style.

Now we have a challenge for you:

Take a close look at the second capital, the one with the harpies.

Your mission is to find another capital inside the monastery where harpies also appear.

Here’s a clue: it is inside the building, very close to where the stream flows through the monastery.

Are you ready to look for it?