Monastic Hotels in Seville: The Perfect Blend of History, Tradition and Tourism

Published on December 29, 2025

One can cite the example of Seville, Spain, where some of the most beloved monasteries in the city are undergoing change due to the reduced number of people associated with these institutions. Turning their historical spaces into tourist apartments is not only breathing new life into these ancient buildings, which are historical reliquaries in their own right, but is, in fact, the only means of keeping them intact, given the rapid evolution of the world around them.

Monasteries as Modern Tourist Retreats: A New Trend in Seville

Seville is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural history, and vibrant tourism scene. With the city increasingly becoming a hotspot for travelers from around the globe, some of its most treasured landmarks—once places of prayer and silence—are now opening their doors to those seeking a unique accommodation experience. In particular, several monasteries have been transformed into tourist apartments, offering visitors a chance to stay within walls steeped in centuries of history while experiencing the monastic life from a new perspective.

The Santa María de Jesús monastery is one such example. Located in the heart of Seville, this historic building, home to 16 Poor Clare nuns, has been offering rooms to tourists for the past two years. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay in apartments tucked behind the monastery’s thick, ancient walls. Though visitors never meet the nuns (they have their own private entrance), they can smell the sweet aroma of traditional pastries baking in the monastery kitchen—a reminder that the nuns continue to live and work within the same walls that now house travelers.

The Rise of Monastery Hotels Amid Seville’s Tourism Boom

Seville’s booming tourism industry, which saw nearly five million visitors in the past year alone, has driven a surge in demand for unique accommodations. From palaces and former cinemas to converted banks, historic buildings in Seville are being repurposed into luxury hotels at an unprecedented rate. In fact, investments in the tourism sector have surpassed one billion euros, with many of the city’s upscale hotels aiming to attract affluent international tourists.

However, staying in a monastery offers a very different experience compared to these high-end properties. Monastery apartments are not about luxury—they provide excellent value for money while offering an authentic, quieter stay in Seville. For instance, the Santa María de Jesús monastery offers a comfortable, no-frills experience, where visitors can connect with the city’s spiritual and historical roots. The monastery is managed by a private company that pays the nuns a fixed fee, which in turn is used to maintain the building, ensuring it remains intact for future generations.

Preserving Heritage Through Innovation

As the number of nuns in Seville has steadily declined over the years, many of these religious sites were facing the threat of closure. The monasteries, once self-sustaining communities, are now grappling with financial and staffing challenges. This has led to creative solutions to keep the buildings viable, and the growing trend of transforming monasteries into tourist apartments has proven successful in preserving their unique heritage.

The San Clemente monastery, one of the first to embrace this model, now operates as a hotel that provides both a spiritual and cultural experience for its guests. Income generated from this initiative is funneled directly into repairs and building maintenance, ensuring that the monastery’s centuries-old walls are preserved. This sustainable approach to heritage management is gaining traction, with more monasteries following suit.

At the San Leandro monastery, which is famous for its traditional sweets, proceeds from tourism are being used to renovate the inner courtyard. These initiatives highlight the importance of adaptive reuse in preserving Seville’s architectural gems, allowing them to continue contributing to the community in a modern context.

Tourism’s Impact on Monastic Communities and Local Economy

While some may see the influx of tourists as a challenge to the traditional monastic way of life, these innovative projects are helping to support the preservation of Seville’s religious and historical landmarks. The proceeds from the guest rooms help fund the ongoing restoration of these buildings, enabling them to withstand the pressures of time and tourism.

The conversion of monasteries into tourist apartments also benefits the local economy. By offering a unique and more intimate experience, these properties draw a different kind of traveler—those seeking a quieter, more reflective stay away from the busy tourist hotspots. This allows for the spread of tourism throughout the city, benefiting neighborhoods that are not typically at the forefront of Seville’s most famous attractions.

Local authorities have supported these preservation efforts, with some monasteries, such as the Santa Clara monastery, being converted into cultural centers or event venues. The local government has allocated funds to aid in the restoration of these properties, ensuring that they remain integral parts of Seville’s cultural fabric.

A Peaceful Stay at Seville’s Monastic Hotels: What Guests Can Expect

Guests who stay in Seville’s monastery apartments can expect a peaceful retreat away from the bustling city center. Many of these monasteries, including the San Leandro monastery, feature beautifully restored rooms that retain the building’s original charm. The simple, serene environment offers a unique way to experience Seville, with guests often praising the quiet atmosphere and the sense of connection to the city’s deep spiritual roots.

Additionally, some monasteries have begun offering special experiences for guests. The nuns of the San Leandro monastery, for example, have held open house events to raise funds for renovations, offering visitors a glimpse into their daily lives and their centuries-old traditions. Similarly, the Hieronymite nuns of the Santa Paula monastery are preparing to welcome guests into their newly restored monastery, offering them a chance to disconnect from the city’s hustle and bustle and experience Seville in a more reflective way.

The Future of Monastery Apartments in Seville

As the tourist population in Seville continues to rise, the trend of transforming monasteries into tourist apartments seems likely to accelerate. Moreover, this concept not only helps conserve the historical and religious spots in the city but is also a sustainable solution to the increasing demand for distinctive accommodations.