Monasterio Rupestre (bajo el Convento de las Agustinas de Santa Ana)

Beneath the Convent of the Augustinian nuns of Santa Ana, in the heart of the old town of Bocairent, hides one of the village's most surprising corners: a tiny monastery carved directly into the rock. Barely 48 m² that bring together an entrance hall, a chapel, a refectory and cells, all hewn from the stone to shelter, back in the 16th century, a small community of nuns who had arrived from Valencia.

History

The rock-cut monastery was excavated in 1556 by Father Melchor Hierro in order to house a group of nuns from Valencia. It remained in use until it was sealed in 1700, at which point the present Convent of the Augustinians was built above it. For centuries it lay hidden beneath the building, which explains both its excellent state of preservation and the sense of discovery that surrounds a visit today.

What to see

The tour through its underground rooms reveals monastic life pared down to the essentials:

• The entrance hall, carved from the living rock.
• The small chapel, the spiritual heart of the complex.
• The refectory, with its distinctive conical chimney.
• The cells, austere and minimal in size.

Tips for your visit

• The monastery can only be visited on a guided tour; check times with the local tourist office.
• As it is a small underground space, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for low ceilings.
• Pair it with a stroll through Bocairent's medieval quarter.