Monasterio de Benedictinas de Léon - Santa María de Carbajal
León Founded in 966
In the heart of León, in Castille-et-León (Spain), the Santa María de Carbajal monastery is a community of Benedictine nuns located on the Camino de Santiago. The community, whose origins trace back to the martyrdom of Saint Pelagius in 925, today brings together around twenty sisters aged 19 to 93, from various countries. They live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, centered on liturgical prayer, the Word of God, work, and community life, including handcrafts, baking, liturgical vestments, publishing, and welcoming pilgrims.
Located in the historic center on the Plaza del Grano, a five-minute walk from the Gothic cathedral, the monastery offers a setting that is both urban and deeply contemplative. Guests come to experience an authentic spiritual retreat shaped by prayer, silence, work, and fraternal life, to pause along the Camino de Santiago, and to find renewal in a simple, prayerful place.
What awaits you
Practical information
Liturgy
Guests are invited to participate in the monastic offices and times of prayer. Stays can last up to 7 days, with free participation in the liturgy.
Spiritual guidance
Times of lectio divina, vocational discernment, and personalized spiritual guidance are offered according to each person's needs.
Meals
Breakfast is self-serve. Lunch and dinner are prepared by the community and taken in an atmosphere of silence.
Common spaces
The guest house has an oratory, a dining room, the cloister, and a garden. Guests can take part in simple activities such as gardening or tending the vegetable garden.
Location
The monastery is located in the historic center of León, on the Plaza del Grano, a 5-minute walk from the Gothic cathedral and close to the Basilica of San Isidoro and the city walls.
Getting there
You can arrive by train or bus. Both stations are located in the same area, a 15-20 minute walk from the monastery. There is also an airport in León, but it offers few flights.
Parking is available on site.
Coming by bike is a great opportunity to discover the region.