Monasterio nuevo de San Juan de la peña

Made an unplanned stop here on a road trip and we were glad we did! The audioguide was very complete and translated the majority of the information panels in the new monastery. The drive up is also very scenic - well worth a visit!

One could not have thought that in the middle of the most beautiful scenery one could find this wonderful and unusual museum. A burnt monastery surrounded by history, rescued in the most amazing way. A visit well worth the trip.

Buy a ticket at the more modern monestary before driving further down to the older site as they don't sell them there. It is well worth a visit! Gorgeous views if you continue your journey down the mountain

This exquisite monastic building, where the grail was once supposed to be kept, (just copy on display now(see photo)) is cut into the rock on the side of a mountain. You can hike the twenty kilometres up from Jaca ( but bring lots of water in the summer as it's hot and humid) and its well worth the effort. Exterior has immaculate brickwork and windows while the inner church has an atmospheric apse and nave.

Beautiful and really special. You can explore and discover how the monks used to live by walking over the remains of the monastery. White sculptures visually describe monastic life.

Very nice place to visit. Visit both monasteries, the old and the new. There's a transfer for 12€. Nice park to relax. I recommend walk to the Balcón de los Pirineos, a wonderful sightseeing place to take a look of the Pyrenees.

This is a really special visit. The drive up is stunning, go to the new monastery and buy your tickets for the two. The new is fascinating as the monks lives are recreated in the floor beneath you and you follow through walking on a glass floor.
The setting is beautiful, take a picnic! Then go down to the old monastery and be amazed at the overhanging rocks and fabulous building with its copy of the Holy Grail.
What a day out!

It amazes me how some people complain and give it a low rate because the road where the old monastery is, is dangerous, because it is in the mountain, because you have to get the tickets in the new monastery, and things like that. I do understand those who complain because the information in the new monastery is in Spanish. I didn't even notice, as I am Spanish and long ago made the effort to learn a bit of English for when I travel. I give it five stars because both monasteries are very interesting, the guide we had was very knowledgeable and communicated well. Go with time, so you can really enjoy both visits. We were on bycicles crossing Spain, and they kept the bikes for us while we saw both monasteries.

Beautiful historical place.

Museum and interpretative center is very well done!!

I find the mixed reviews a little puzzling. Yes, there is no parking at the old monastery, yes, the ticket will let you see the old and the new and includes a shuttle bus back down (you can walk if you wish), and yes, the entire signage for the above could be made clearer.

But, it's absolutely incredible and one of a kind, the money is not high given the upkeep that must exist for the old monastery, there are information sheets in various languages as well. I personally think this is not to be missed, take your time, see the old monastery, then picnic in the woods on ample benches next to the woodland parking at the new monastery, it's a magical setting all round.

Yes. Why do you think they call me King James Fraley of the Frays and Monks of San Juan de la Pena Royal Blood-line. This Ancient blood-line is very powerful and should never taken lightly to it's Super Powers.

Unforgettable, the nature and the humans together in harmony and with God.

Worth while the visit and guided tour

Located below an astonishing, enormous rock, the San Juan Cloister is a magical place of peace, art and nature where the first Aragon's Kings where buried. The light penetrates the rock combining it's brightness with the pale pink colour of the rock and the beautiful Romanic architecture bringing us to ecstasy.

Provide very good history of the first kings of Aragon and origin of Spain as nation.

The guide was really great,made the visit fun as well as educational. Really impressive place

Excellent place to visit. It's a long walk back up to the car park, book in advance and use the shuttle bus

Amazing place full of history. Advisable to wear trekking gear and use the opportunity to walk around in the forest

I hiked this part of the Camino and, although it is off the beaten track it is well worth the time.