In the middle of July, enjoying a pleasant 28 degrees (thankfully without the humidity of Galicia), I let myself drift along one of the regional roads that cross the Manzanedo Valley. That’s when I felt the need to stop and take in the view of the Ebro River (well, truth be told, I really had to pee). I must admit, the spot I chose was quite picturesque, with a small reservoir giving shape to the river’s narrow flow. Since the area had some potential, I wandered around a bit and took a few photos.
Just as I was about to leave, I turned my head and was met with a big surprise: right in front of me stood, in all its crumbling glory, one of those ruined structures I love so much.
The day was so nice that I didn’t even bother going back to the car. I retraced a short stretch of the road and followed a narrow path that led straight to the structure. When I arrived, I realized it wasn’t just an abandoned building, it was undergoing restoration. In front of me stood the Monastery of Santa María de Rioseco, whose history dates back to the 13th century.
Despite the ongoing work, access wasn’t restricted, so I was able to explore both the outside and the interior. It’s a place that has suffered years of looting and neglect, but thanks to the efforts of the “Salvemos Rioseco” association, it now has a hopeful future. I truly hope the entire structure is preserved and that the interior spaces of the monastery are eventually restored. An unexpected discovery that ended up being the absolute highlight of the day.
