Abadía Retuerta
leDomaine
A restored abbey, an award-winning winery and a prestigious art collection. Situated in the picturesque Duero Valley, Abadía Retuerta is an oasis less than a 2-hour drive from Madrid.
Upon invitation of ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE
A member of LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Shot on location in VALLADOLID, SPAIN
The Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta was originally established in the 12th century on the banks of the Rio Duero and remains as a witness of history within the boundaries of the estate of Retuerta. It was founded by a descendant of Count Pedro Ansúrez, who at the time founded the city of Valladolid. Today, the abbey is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in the province of Valladolid—and a five star luxury hotel.
The house connects the past with the present in a timeless and relaxed way. A retreat where guests can discover history at every turn, but also the new. Different architectural styles such as late Romanesque and Gothic with elements from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries can be found in the structure. The remaining ancient sculptures and paintings of the monastery have been widely dispersed and can now be admired in other locations.
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At the front of the abbey is an extension of the South gallery of the cloister. Above it is the bell tower next to the front of the church. In addition, there is the monk’s cellar, a partially underground room covered by a vault which today is used as a wine cellar. Parallel to the gallery of the cloister, the refectory fills its entire length. A painting depicting the Last Supper dominates this room, which today accommodates the Michelin-starred restaurant Refectorio.
THE HOUSE CONNECTS THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT IN A TIMELESS AND RELAXED WAY
Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine has become a popular destination for art aficionados. The hotel is committed to protect and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the area. The multi-layered architecture as well as the unique art collection make the ancient abbey a special place. Responsible for the reconstruction of the building was the Italian architect Marco Serra, who followed the architectural and philosophical heritage while taking into account the original building structures.
He preserved the different architectural styles and also incorporated the expressions of the Premonstratensian way of life into the overall project. Carpets from the Atlas Mountains and Spanish furniture from the period of Carlos II are part of the curated interior, as well as images and sculptures of Madonna and elaborately made tapestries.
The icing on the cake is the collection of modern and contemporary art, which perfectly complements the traditional works. And that even in the rooms. For example, I spent the night with a work by Joan Miró. Other highlights include works by the San Sebastián-born sculptor Eduardo Chillida. In addition to the sculpture placed in the garden (Lotura XVIII), the church houses Rumor de Límites V (1959), acquired in 2021. A great example that reflects the artist’s words that the future and the past are contemporary. The juxtaposition of ancient art and more recent works gives the space of the church a new meaning for the 21st century. Another highlight not to be missed is the Museum Garden, laid out like a labyrinth. The Hedge Museum (2009) by German artist Ulrich Rückriem features high hedges that provide the framework for a dialogue between nature and art.
Rückriem has placed 14 sculptures that can be seen clockwise in five rooms surrounded by hedges and an inner spot of stamped concrete. In addition, Abadía Retuerta expands the collection with contemporary artists that are in line with the place and the values of the house. This is accomplished through a artist-in-residence program, the ARCOmadrid work acquisition program, and through collaboration with museums and collections in the form of loans of artworks. So far, the house had invited two artists for the residency program: Yamou and Los Bravú. In addition, works can be seen temporarily at the Abadía Retuerta from time to time. Like most recently Flowing Water (2006) by Jeppe Hein from the collection of Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.
Vintage CARTIER from the late 1970s18k Gold and Diamonds Nature Ring by OLE LYNGGAARDGold Vessel Earrings by SAPIR BACHAR
upon invitation of ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE
shot on location in VALLADOLID, SPAIN
on 35 MILLIMETER FILM