LA CARTUJA DE JEREZ

Description

The Carthusian Monastery of Our Lady of the Defense (Nuestra Señora de la Defensión) is considered the most important religious monument in the province of Cádiz and one of the most important in all of Andalusia.

Located on a promontory beside the Guadalete River, the original style of the church and monastery corresponds to the late Gothic period. The church façade and coat of arms are from the 18th century and the Renaissance-style entryway to the monastery, designed by Andrés de Ribera, is of particular interest.

The choir stalls and the current altarpiece with a figure of St Bruno made by José de Arce are also of great artistic importance. The cloister design is attributed to Martinez Montañés. The Monastery was designated as a Historic-Artistic Monument by the Spanish government in 1856.