The Spain Wandering - Day 19: Monasterio de Veruela

Another easy exploration day of yet another religious site.  About an hour away from La Muela, where our hotel is located, is the village of Veruela.

The site is located within the Campo de Borja district.  We transited through the town of Borja heading to Veruela.

Martha's discovered via Google/Wikipedia a "roadside" attraction in Borja.  I'd mentioned to her the town name seemed similar to the Italian infamous name Borgia.  Turns out the Borgias did seem to originate from Borja though documentation is scarce 

Anyways, what Martha stumbled on was Ecce Homo/Ecce Mono.  In 2012, a 81 yr old lady artist had undertaken to restore a portrait of Jesus at the Sanctuario de la Misericordia just outside Borja.

However, she left on holiday with the work incomplete.  What was there was seen as a failed restoration of epic proportions.  The story, as they say, went viral.

Ecce Homo: Behold the Man became Ecce Mono: Behold the Monkey!

The publicity put the Sanctuary and Borja on the map, resulting in many thousands of tourists descending on this tiny village.  More details here:  LINK

I couldn't find more info on this painting, I just found the large knife a curious addition.

The Sanctuary Altar

In the small museum next door, was this painting of the artist in question:

Some additional exhibits are in display.  I guess to ensure folks got their 5 Euro entrance fee's worth.

That fun detour completed, we drove to the day's primary stop, the monastery.

Great attraction, cheap entrance fee and best of all:  almost no one there!  I saw perhaps 2 other couples while we were there!

Everything you will need to know about this monastery/abbey:  LINK.

The "Mess Hall"

There's also a small wine museum onsite, with a smaller olive oil museum.

Lunch was at a nearby campground's cafe/restaurant.  The food was OK.

We drove back to our hotel and I napped the rest of the afternoon away 

Tomorrow we head towards the Pyrenees!