El Olivar Monastery: Silence and stars in the only Starlight monastery in the world
In the province of Teruel, there is a monastery that dominates the landscape with imposing Renaissance architecture and an environment of peace and nature. We tell you why it has this special certificate.
In the municipality of Estercuel, in the province of Teruel, there is a corner where time seems to have stopped. A monastery whose great attraction lies not only in its history or its privileged location but in the quality of its skies, which makes it the only monastery in the world with the Starlight certificate.
A monastery located in a unique natural environment 800 metres above the sea
We are talking about the Monastery of Santa María del Olivar, which was built in the 13th century. In its beginnings, it was a convent of Augustinian friars, and it has been a place of meditation and spirituality for centuries. Its architecture reflects the Renaissance style, with large stone walls and an austere interior that invites contemplation and silence.
Over time, the monastery has been restored and adapted to receive visitors, always preserving its essence. But the most notable thing is its location, since it is far from large cities, which allows light pollution to be practically zero.
The only monastery in the world with a "Starlight" certificate
Precisely for this reason, the Starlight Foundation, endorsed by UNESCO, awarded it the “Starlight Monastery” certificate, a title awarded to places with dark skies and no light pollution, essential for astronomical observation. Its location, in the heart of the province of Teruel and far from large cities, makes it an exceptional place for night observation.
The particularity is that this is the only monastery in the world that has the title of “Starlight Monastery”, which makes it a meeting point between monastic peace and the splendour of the universe. That is why it attracts amateur astronomers, photographers and cosmo lovers from all over every day.
Nighttime activities like astronomical photography and walks under the stars
To enjoy it in all its splendour, the monastery offers astronomical photography workshops, ideal for capturing the beauty of the cosmos and learning about the long-exposure photography technique. They are suitable for all audiences, both beginners and experienced photographers.
In addition to the workshops, the monastery organises night walks under the stars. Guided by astronomy experts, visitors can tour the surroundings of the monastery while learning about the constellations, visible planets, and other celestial bodies.