San Pedro de Rocas is the oldest monastic complex in Galicia and the only one that conserves part of its original structure; artificial caves dug into the rock that served as a chapel and chancel for a medieval church.
Since 1923 it has been considered a National Historic Monument and in 1999 it was declared an Cultural Interest Asset.
The origin of San Pedro de Rocas dates back to before 573 and is linked to the evangelist Martín de Dumio in the Swabian period. At the beginning of the 8th century it was abandoned due to the attacks it suffered from the Muslims.
The origin of the monastery, like that of most of the monasteries in the Ribeira Sacra, is eremitic, associated with the beginning of Christianity in Galicia. The transition from praying alone (eremitic life) to praying in community (cenobitic life) is evident in this place.
Photo: Antón Gavela – transourensan.blogspot.com
