Real Monasterio de Santo Domingo de Caleruega

The Royal Monastery of Santo Domingo de Caleruega is a Dominican convent-monastery located in Caleruega, Burgos, in the place where Santo Domingo de Guzmán, founder of the Order of Preachers, was born. The complex is one of the main heritage and spiritual landmarks of the town and is part of the historical landscape of the Ribera del Duero region of Burgos. Its documentary origin is linked to the 13th century: the foundation of the monastic complex is attributed to Alfonso X the Wise in 1266, and royal privileges, donations and papal bulls from that century are preserved in its archives. The church that forms part of the complex dates from the 12th century, which indicates a medieval base prior to later monastic development. From the artistic point of view, the complex presents a mixture of phases and styles derived from its long constructive history. Highlights include the church, the sacristy, the crypt and the cloister, which originally had a single floor and later received a brick upper floor. A museum sector or medieval room is also preserved, with works of sacred art and polychrome stone pieces of the Virgin and the Angel of the Annunciation, dating from the thirteenth century. The monastery also houses the medieval tomb of the Infanta Leonor, daughter of Alfonso X the Wise, which reinforces its historical value. Today the complex is visited as a heritage resource of Caleruega and maintains its link with the Dominican community and the memory of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.