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Spain
Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste
The EHL Site
The Monastery of Yuste, managed by Patrimonio Nacional since 2004, comprises an architectural complex formed by the Palace of Charles V (16th century) and the monastery itself (15th century), within a closed enclosure of about fourteen hectares, where vegetation is an integral part of the monument. Located in the province of Cáceres, Spain, it is an Asset of Cultural Interest and was declared a historic artistic monument in 1931.
The monastery has a rich cultural heritage, having witnessed European history through the figure of Charles V, becoming his place of retreat and final residence. The Hieronymite Order had its General Curia in the monastery, and it is now the seat of the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation.
Throughout the year, Patrimonio Nacional organizes access to and opening of the monument to the public to contribute to the cultural dissemination of the monument and its European significance. A musical program commemorating emblematic dates related to Charles V is also organized every year.
The monastery also hosts an extensive academic program and activities, organized by the Yuste Foundation, focused on European integration, EU – Ibero-America relations, history, and heritage, primarily aimed at young people. “Campus Yuste” and the international university summer courses, exemplify these activities, bringing together university students, researchers, professors, professionals, and civil society for training, reflection, and discussion. One of the summer courses addresses every year different aspects of the life and period of Charles V. These programs provide a space for exchanging experiences and collaborating on projects that use creativity, culture, and heritage to revitalize and enhance the rural environment.
The Carlos V European Award, celebrated on the occasion of Europe Day, on May 9th, and presided by the King of Spain, Honorary President of the Yuste Foundation, honors individuals, initiatives, and projects that significantly contribute to European integration or the enhancement of Europe’s cultural, scientific, or historical values.
European dimension
The Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste is a symbolic enclave of European memory. Its pan-European nature is linked to the figure of the Emperor, who inherited the domains of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the American possessions, ruling a vast territory on the continent, whose diverse peoples recognise him as a common historical figure. Originally run by the Hieronymite Order, it maintains its function as a place of worship with the presence of monks of the Polish Order of St Paul the First Hermit, preserving its ancient Central European link.
This EHL Site, open to public visits for everyone, is also a centre for training, research, and debate on the history, present, future of the European Union, and the relations between the European Union and Ibero-America. It promotes the universal values linked to European construction and integration through the Carlos V European Award and awareness-raising actions for children and young people. This Site also fosters cooperation and knowledge exchange activities within the framework of European programs and networks through cultural, educational, and research projects organised by the Yuste Foundation.
The Monastery of San Jeronimo de Yuste, through the work of the Yuste Foundation and National Heritage, contributes to the momentum and consolidation of the historical and existing linkages between the region of Extremadura in Spain, Europe and Ibero-America under the principles of loyalty, respect for the respective identity, mutual benefit and solidarity. This EHL Site is a living place of European Memory and Remembrance connected with EU values through activities organised aiming to ssupport the promotion of democracy, the respect for human rights, the furtherance of international peace and concord, as well as the development of all peoples and nations in the world through the promotion of culture, research, the dissemination of knowledge and social integration.
The site is also part of the Routes of Emperor Charles V – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, founded by the Yuste Foundation.
The organization
Patrimonio Nacional, as mandated by Law 23/1982, is responsible for conserving and managing the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste along with other assets of the Spanish Crown. Its primary functions include supporting the Head of State as outlined in the Constitution and making its managed historical-artistic heritage available for cultural, scientific, and educational purposes. This institution oversees 24 palaces, monasteries, royal convents, and associated buildings within the network of Royal Sites. These sites house over 170,000 historical-artistic pieces across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, tapestries, clocks, and more, representing Spain’s cultural legacy. Additionally, Patrimonio Nacional manages a significant natural heritage comprising historical gardens, forests, and other natural areas spanning 19,000 hectares of great environment value, which provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Together, these assets contribute significantly to Spain’s cultural and natural heritage, showcasing the works of renowned artists and preserving historical landscapes.
Since 1992, the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation has constantly contributed to the process of European integration, defending the great ideals which have inspired Europe and promoting a Europe of solidarity as a place of peace, freedom, democracy and diversity. It brings Europe, Ibero-America and the region of Extremadura, closer. Culture, Education, Research, Cooperation, and Social Policy are the ways chosen to tighten the links between these realities, assuring, not only the effective participation of the citizens in the European Union process, but, above all, favoring an enduring sentiment of belonging to a shared European history. Through the European Carlos V Award, its exhibitions, conferences, courses and seminars, concerts, publications and many other cultural and academic events, it spreads every field of knowledge, history, European identity, and culture. Its main objectives are: To strengthen European integration by means of the promotion of active citizenship, culture, social policy, training and research; to encourage debate on European construction and to promote European values, and the study and dissemination of European cultural heritage; and to contribute to spreading the European memory.