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780
Legendary Foundation by King Silo
According to local tradition, the Asturian King Silo founded the monastery, although there is no direct documentary proof from that period. -
957
First Documentary Reference
A charter mentions the existence of a monastic community at Obona, indicating the presence of organized religious life. -
Period: 995 to 1113
Double Monastery Period
The monastery possibly functioned as a double monastery for monks and nuns. The physical structure from this period is unknown due to later reconstructions -
Period: 1032 to 1045
First Attested Abbot
Abbot Pelayo is recorded as the monastery's leader, providing evidence of ecclesiastical organization and land ownership. -
Period: 1113 to 1126
Benedictine Reform and Church Construction
The monastery officially adopts the Benedictine rule. The Romanesque church is constructed, including a triple-apsed chevet (eastern end). -
Period: 1150 to 1200
Naves and Apse Reform
The central and side naves of the church are completed. The apse is reformed with larger dimensions and slightly pointed arches. -
1200
Western Façade Completed
The façade and main entrance to the church are finalized, integrating Romanesque stylistic features with local stonework. -
1256
Land Agreement with Tineo
A documented peaceful agreement establishes territorial boundaries between the monastery and the town of Tineo. -
1380
Monastic Reform
Bishop Gutierre de Toledo implements spiritual and administrative reforms to improve discipline and economy. -
Period: 1422 to 1471
Archive Room Active
The archive, located on the upper floor, is actively used for storing legal and land documents. It becomes essential for monastic control over property. -
1499
Devastating Fire
A fire destroys much of the archive and surrounding structures, leading to a significant loss of documents and historical memory. -
Period: 1529 to 1536
Incorporation into Congregation of Valladolid
Obona joins a reformed monastic congregation, gaining new administrative oversight. This marks a turn toward centralized managemen -
Period: 1536 to
Minor Construction Works
The cloister's north wing might have been renovated. Other minor architectural changes and maintenance works are recorded. -
College of Arts Founded
A new institution is established within the monastery to provide theological and humanist education to novices and nearby students. -
Period: to
Reconstruction
Baroque cloister and porter's lodge constructed. -
Period: to
Construction of Service Buildings
The monastery's entry courtyard is completed with a bakery, jail, stables, and other functional buildings for daily operations. -
Period: to
Architectural Reforms
Several windows are enlarged. Interior circulation is improved, and the water cistern is upgraded for better monastic hygiene. -
Desamortización (Secularization)
The monastery is secularized and its property confiscated by the liberal Spanish government. Monastic life ceases. -
Period: to
Public Schools Built
New secular schools are constructed in existing south-west wing cloister. The surrounding square is modified to fit public education needs. -
Period: to
Partial Restorations
Some Romanesque elements are replaced, and structural repairs to the roof and floors are undertaken, sometimes inaccurately. -
Declared National Monument
The site gains national legal protection as a historical and artistic monument. -
Period: to
Archaeological Trenches Excavated
Several excavation campaigns reveal substructures, walls, and burial remains, helping reconstruct Obona’s early phases. -
New Restoration Project Designed
A detailed architectural and preservation plan is drafted, aiming to restore and reuse the complex sustainably. The plan was criticized for not having connections with existing and never realized -
Period: to
Final Excavations Conducted
Archaeological surveys further reveal construction sequences and foundations of lost buildings. -
Declared Bien de Interés Cultural
Recognized as a Cultural Heritage Site of Spain, ensuring regional and national protection. -
Listed as Endangered Heritage
Hispania Nostra includes the site in the “Red List” of endangered cultural heritage due to its abandonment and vulnerability. -
Camino Primitivo Gains UNESCO Status
The pilgrimage route passing Obona is declared a World Heritage Site, increasing interest in the monastery's revival.