Santa María de Óvila

Once Upon a Time in Spain: The Tale of Santa María de Óvila

Imagine a grand tale, where history and architecture intertwine like the intricate stones of an ancient monastery. This is the story of Santa María de Óvila, a former Cistercian monastery built in 1181 on the banks of the Tagus River near Trillo, Guadalajara, Spain.

Founded by King Alfonso VIII of Castile in 1175, this magnificent structure was not just a place of worship but a testament to various Spanish architectural styles. Over its centuries-long existence, it witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the turmoil of wars, and the quiet whispers of time.

But what happened when the winds of change blew through Spain in 1835? The monastery was confiscated by the Spanish government and sold to private owners. It’s like a cherished family heirloom being passed down but never quite fitting into its new home. And then, in 1931, came the American publisher William Randolph Hearst with his grand vision of turning Santa María de Óvila’s stones into a castle in California.

Imagine dismantling an entire monastery stone by stone, labeling each piece meticulously as if it were a puzzle waiting to be solved. That’s exactly what Arthur Byne and Walter T. Steilberg did. They removed around 10,000 stones, creating a massive project that was eventually abandoned due to the Great Depression.

Now, let’s take a stroll through time. In 1946, San Francisco got its hands on some of these stones and used them to construct museum buildings in Golden Gate Park. But the story doesn’t end there. Some stones found their way to the University of San Francisco, while others were left scattered across private farmland in Spain.

Fast forward to 1980-82, when Abbot-Emeritus Thomas X. Davis saw these stones as a new monk at Our Lady of New Clairvaux monastery. He worked tirelessly to separate and preserve the chapter house stones, creating templates for their eventual reconstruction.

Rebuilding the Past

In 2003, ground was broken next to the main cloister building for a new chapter house. Architect Patrick Cole said there were more than half of the required stones, and stonemasons used modern mortar to ensure the rebuilt structure was twice as strong as its original form.

The foundation is earthquake-resistant, and the building moves as one unit, ensuring it stands firm against future challenges. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company partnered with New Clairvaux to make Belgian-style beers under the Ovila Abbey brand, dedicating a percentage of beer sales to assist in funding the rebuilding project.

A Legacy of Stone

These stones have traveled far and wide, from Spain to California, each piece carrying with it a story of history, art, and resilience. They are more than just relics; they are living testaments to the enduring spirit of Santa María de Óvila.

The journey of these stones is a reminder that even in the face of change and adversity, there is always hope for renewal. Just as the stones were pieced together to form a new chapter house, so too can we rebuild our own stories, one piece at a time.

From the grand halls of Santa María de Óvila to the quiet corners of Golden Gate Park, these stones have become a symbol of resilience and continuity. They remind us that no matter how far apart we may be, there is always a way to come together and honor our shared history.