Barcelona - Monestir de Pedralbes

The whole monastery - or at least those parts which are open to the public - serves as a museum. The exhibits are arranged so as to correspond to the living conditions of the monks. On view, in addition to furnishings, are works of art covering six centuries, some from the possessions of the convent itself and others from gifts and bequests from private sources. Of particular interest are the old apothecary, the kitchen and the sick-room, as well as the main hall of the former palace. There is also an educational service associated with the museum.

The three-story Cloister, with its pretty Renaissance fountain, is also only partly open. In the Chapterhouse stands a Flemish altar. Adjoining the Cloister is the Capella de Sant Miquel with some fine Gothic wall-paintings (1346) by Ferrer Bassa.

From the Jardines Reina Elisends a doorway in the left-hand wall of the nave leads to the interior of the single-naved Gothic Church, lined with Chapels. The broad interior is divided into two by a wall and wrought- iron screen; only one side is open to the general public, the other being reserved for the convent community. Note the 15th C. stained-glass windows and the alabaster tomb of Queen Elisenda (d. 1364), the wife of James II.