Monastery of Saints Facundo and Primitivo

Description

The Monastery of Saints Facundo and Primitivo (Sahagún) has its origin in the veneration of the martyrs Facundo and Primitivo, who were executed during the persecutions of Diocletian. Although the Turpin Chronicle attributes its foundation to Charlemagne, it was consolidated with Alfonso III at the end of the 9th century (Senra, 2002). From the 10th century onwards it grew thanks to multiple donations and royal protection. However, in 997 it was damaged by a razzia of al-Mansur, but was restored by Alfonso V shortly thereafter. Its great expansion came in the 11th century under the patronage of Alfonso VI, who turned it into a royal residence, a political center and a pantheon (Senra, 2002). Subsequently, the monastery enjoyed the favor of other monarchs such as Sancho III, Alfonso VIII and Fernando III, who ratified its privileges. During the 19th century, the monastery was the victim of looting and fires, and its ruins were put up for auction in the 1940s (Senra, 2002).

Bibliography

• SENRA GABRIEL Y GALÁN, José Luis (2002): "Monasterio de los Santos Facundo y Primitivo", Fundación Santa María la Real, Aguilar de Campoo, pp. 685-703.