Santo Domingo de Silos, Spain: The Tomb of Saint Dominic of Silos and The Monks singing the famous Benedictine Chant
About Santo Domingo de Silos:
The small village of Santo Domingo de Silos is in the southern part of Burgos Province in northern Spain. It is located in the Ribera de Burgos wine country dotted with picturesque Spanish villages.
The Monastery is believed to have originated in the seventh century under the name of the Monastery of Saint Sebastian. The monastery’s documented founding was in the year 929.
It declined following Muslim raids, but was restored under the leadership of Saint Dominic of Silos (Santo Domingo de Silos), who was abbot of the monastery between 1041 and 1073, and after whom it was later named. The Feast of Saint Dominic of Silos is celebrated on December 20.
Nearby is the village and the Dominican monastery/school of Caleruega, the birthplace of the founder of the Dominican order, Santo Domingo de Guzman, in the 12th century.
In fact, tradition tells us that Saint Dominic de Guzman was actually named after Saint Dominic of Silos. The story says that his mother came to the monastery to pray at the tomb of Saint Dominic of Silos, praying that she be able to conceive a child. She bore a male son and named him Dominic.
The 11th century two-story cloister retains its original beauty and is open to the public. The name Silos comes from the many windmills attached to silos on the nearby farms.
The Benedictine Monks of the Abbey here are world famous for their Gregorian chant as evidenced by their hit CD’s which became immensely popular in the 1990’s after the release of their first album, “Chant”.
Try to attend vespers in the evening listening to the chant by the monks. Their CD recordings are available worldwide but to actually be here is something you will never forget.
Traveling to Santo Domingo de Silos:
Santo Domingo de Silos is about 40 miles (70 Km) Southeast of Burgos. It is included in some group tours of Spain, otherwise you will have to reach it on your own by bus or car. There is no train service.
On our previous visits we have stayed in one of the few hotels in town, which are clean and decent without being over-priced. The Monastery is the town’s main attraction so do not expect anything much other than that, but that alone is enough!
Address: Calle Santo Domingo, 2, 09610 Santo Domingo de Silos, Burgos, Spain
GPS coordinates: 41° 57′ 42.8580” N, 3° 25′ 9.6456” W
Click here for the official website of the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos.
