Located in a privileged setting along this rugged coastline, and declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931, the Monastery of Santa María de Oia is the only monastery of the Cistercian Order built beside the sea. This architectural complex is the result of the union of three small monasteries in the region from 1137 onwards, under the Rule of Saint Benedict and with the support of Alfonso VII. Its consecration to the Cistercian Order in 1185 shaped not only the monastery’s construction works, but also its own artistic character and identity.
The church, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, dominates the landscape with its imposing Baroque façade, where the figure of the Virgen del Mar stands out, although inside it still preserves the features of Cistercian Gothic architecture.
In the 16th century, the upper choir of the church was built and the Cloister of the Rule was altered by adding an extra storey. In the 17th century, various works were carried out to fortify the monastery, including the construction of the enclosure wall and the beach wall, as well as the surrounding wall enclosing the woodland and the parade ground. In the 18th century, the bell tower, the present façade and the wings that now form the space known as Patio das Laranxeiras were built.
It was an important defensive stronghold against constant maritime invasions. Throughout the 16th century, Oia received artillery and other weapons to prevent corsairs from landing. In 1624, the monks fought against Turkish corsairs who were attacking two ships, one French and one English. This brave action earned them the title of “artillery monks”, and Felipe IV later confirmed the titles of Imperial and Royal Monastery.
In 1835, with the Desamortización, Cistercian life in the monastery came to an end, and the building passed into private ownership after an auction. In 1838, the parish of Santa María was founded, and the monastic church became the parish church. From 1910 to 1931, it was leased to the Portuguese Jesuits, and during the Spanish Civil War it served as a concentration camp for Republican prisoners.
The monastery is currently under private ownership.
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