Monasterio de Piedra - Nature Park

An unexpected feature of the Monasterio de Piedra is the nature park which surrounds it - an area of lush green country in an otherwise barren landscape, watered by the Río Pedra, with grottoes, lakes and waterfalls. The park - the first of its kind in Spain - was laid out in the 19th century by Juan Federico Muntadas. Particularly picturesque is the Cola de Caballo (''Horse's Tail'') waterfall, over 50m/165ft high, with the Grotto of Iris concealed behind the veil of water.