The Cloisters of Santo Domingo

In 1264, Alfonso X's troops decisively took Jerez from the Muslims. Around that time, the king gifted the Dominicans a military structure of Islamic origin, located opposite the Seville gate, to establish their convent. The first century of the Santo Domingo monastery's existence must have been incredibly tough, with relentless attacks from the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and their North African allies.

The convent remained a cohesive entity until 1835 when the liberal governments during Queen Isabel's reign ordered the exclaustration and confiscation of convent assets. Although the church stayed open for worship, the cloisters were sold. Initially, they were acquired by the González family, prominent winemakers from the Santander Mountain area. They turned it into the Museum of Santo Domingo, a sort of curiosity shop where art, furniture, and decorative objects were sold. Later, the complex was owned by the Díez family, who converted the old dormitory into a wine cellar and made some rather aggressive changes to the monument. Eventually, Los Claustros was sold to the Rumasa holding company. After Rumasa was expropriated in 1983, the property became part of the City Council's holdings and was used for cultural purposes for many years. In 1999, the complex was closed for restoration and reopened in 2012.

Today, Los Claustros de Santo Domingo stands as a captivating blend of history and culture. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored cloisters and imagine the lives of those who once walked its halls. The serene atmosphere, combined with the rich architectural details, provides a unique glimpse into the past. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this spot is definitely worth a visit.