Steps and pulpit of the refectory (dining room) of the Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Huerta. The monastery is located in the village of Santa María de Huerta, province of Soria, Castille and León, Spain. The first stone of the building was laid by the king Alfonso VII of Castile in 1179 and the building was expanded in the 16th century thanks to the help of the kings Charles I and Philip II. The refectory, built in 1215, is the jewel of the monastery and one of the best examples in Europe. The pulpit was used by a monk for reading during meal times.

Steps and pulpit of the refectory (dining room) of the Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Huerta. The monastery is located in the village of Santa María de Huerta, province of Soria, Castille and León, Spain. The first stone of the building was laid by the king Alfonso VII of Castile in 1179 and the building was expanded in the 16th century thanks to the help of the kings Charles I and Philip II. The refectory, built in 1215, is the jewel of the monastery and one of the best examples in Europe. The pulpit was used by a monk for reading during meal times.. Learn more.