Cartoixa de Scala Dei
Cartoixa de Scala Dei
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
247 reviews
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Javier G
London, UK7,778 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
The first Carthusian in the Iberian Peninsula originated in 1194 in which King Alfonso II of Aragon donated the lands on which the Carthusian Escaladei was later raised, measured by Carthusian monks who arrived from Provence. They chose a unique spot in the Priorat region of Tarragona, framed by the Sierra de Montsant, where a shepherd had dreamed of angels climbing to heaven by a staircase supported by the trunk of a pine tree, hence Escaladei or “staircase of God”. Subsequently, successive renovations were carried out until the 18th century when there were three cloisters and up to 30 cells.
The Carthusian subsisted until 1835 through times of great splendor. For seven centuries the monks had fields populated, mills built and vineyards grown. The prior, hence the name of the current region (Priorat), could exercise justice and was the general mayor of all the towns in the central area of the current region, which roughly coincide with those of the Priorat winemaking Designation of Origin. With Mendizábal’s depreciation the monks were forced to flee, deprived by decree of their lands, and left cells and cloisters, the church and the lodging. In just two years the majestic Carthusian was turned into a pile of rubble by looting and constant plunder (a constant of Mendizabal's failed depreciation.
Today you can visit its ruins by going around the outside of the three cloisters, the church and the refectory. Still, it is a feeling of what was and is no longer, where perhaps what stands out is the place where the ruins are located, which caused me a feeling that they deserved a better restoration and conservation (just see the unfortunate ground laid to the church)
A very expensive ticket for what it shows. Let it be heard and understood, because it costs the tourist enough to get here to feel a disappointment.
The Carthusian subsisted until 1835 through times of great splendor. For seven centuries the monks had fields populated, mills built and vineyards grown. The prior, hence the name of the current region (Priorat), could exercise justice and was the general mayor of all the towns in the central area of the current region, which roughly coincide with those of the Priorat winemaking Designation of Origin. With Mendizábal’s depreciation the monks were forced to flee, deprived by decree of their lands, and left cells and cloisters, the church and the lodging. In just two years the majestic Carthusian was turned into a pile of rubble by looting and constant plunder (a constant of Mendizabal's failed depreciation.
Today you can visit its ruins by going around the outside of the three cloisters, the church and the refectory. Still, it is a feeling of what was and is no longer, where perhaps what stands out is the place where the ruins are located, which caused me a feeling that they deserved a better restoration and conservation (just see the unfortunate ground laid to the church)
A very expensive ticket for what it shows. Let it be heard and understood, because it costs the tourist enough to get here to feel a disappointment.
Automatically translated
Written September 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimles7
Princeton, KY958 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Yes, no one talks much about the tough little over 1-hour drive across winding mountain roads. After you get there, it's well worth it. Amazing! monastery that made wine with great pictures to be found everywhere. Enjoy!
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pere A
Berga, Spain83 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
The Carthusians were a religious order that sought silence, surely in this charterhouse at the foot of Montsant they found it. In the process of restoration, there are few vestiges of what was the most important charterhouse in the country, step by step the remains are being recovered with a respectful reconstruction. The portal of Santa María stands out and the reconstruction of a cell that shows us the lifestyle they led. A little off the tourist routes, it is worth coming and visiting it.
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan m
New York City, NY2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We didn’t plan this visit and it was spectacular even in 39’ temps. The children loved the archeological dig visible in some areas. Really good to see it all capture their imaginations. We loved the beautiful restoration of the courtyards and gardens particularly. As usual in Spain there is a sort of casual modern elegance to the visitor centre and walkways. Well worth a visit. We didn’t do the hike as it was so hot for the kids but next time we will! And one can nip for a tasting in the village! Perfecto!
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paoloLaRocaDelValles
La Roca del Valles, Spain190 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
A place out of this world, spectacular, nestled in the middle of the mountains. also beautiful road in the middle of the vineyards that starts from Falset.
We did the guided tour of the ruins, partly rebuilt by the mistress of the Priorat for more than 600 years. The visit lasts an hour and a half.
It is worth
We did the guided tour of the ruins, partly rebuilt by the mistress of the Priorat for more than 600 years. The visit lasts an hour and a half.
It is worth
Automatically translated
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jozef B
Erembodegem, Belgium51 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Definitely worth to visit because of the historic value and the superb location against the Priorat cliffs. The monastery has been heavily looted over the centuries but one can still get a good idea how it used to be, thanks to the restored parts, explanatory boards along the visitor path, information and documentary movie at the entrance building. Great to combine with cruising the area for wineries and scenery .
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your visit and for your opinion!
Written January 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jmt_ch
Geneva, Switzerland24 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
They have recreated a monk cell. Really fascinating. Plus the monastery is really lost at the end of the valley. Worth visiting
Written October 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quim I
Moja, Spain32 contributions
May 2017 • Family
Interesting visit with very nice views to the mountains. Rebuilt with a wonderful taste, a really worth visit. You can understand perfectly the life of the monks there.
Written May 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ispe111
Tampere, Finland147 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Interesting monastry museum with very nice views to the mountains! Monks brought the Vine here and started the whole wine business in Priorat. Try to visit Conreria d'Scala Dei, a very good winery in the centre village. Their white Les Brugueres is one of the best whites in whole Spain!
Written October 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile Forager
St. Helena, CA80 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
So much of the history of this extraordinary region stems from this place, which has been lovingly restored in pieces as finances allow. If you make the pilgrimage to the Priorat, particularly for an exploration of wine this remarkable local treasure deserves some of your time. A local guide is recommended to make the most of your visit, and the staff are very knowledgeable (although you may need to speak Catalan). There are very few people, and it's easy to imagine why the monastic way of life appealed after touring the restored cells. Be sure to wander far enough to watch the time lapse video on display of the restoration of the courtyard.
Written July 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si hay que pagar, creo recordar que eran menos de 10€
Written September 14, 2018
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