Monasterio y Hospedería de las Monjas Trinitarias de Suesa

Monasterio y Hospedería de las Monjas Trinitarias de Suesa is an active Trinitarian monastery in the village of Suesa, within the municipality of Ribamontán al Mar in Cantabria, standing roughly five hundred metres from the coast, close to where the Cubas river meets the sea.

How do you get there?

The monastery sits at Barrio Mojante 23 in Suesa, a short drive east of Santander along the Cantabrian coast. Arriving by car is the most practical option, with parking available nearby; the route runs through the typically rural Trasmiera countryside, dotted with meadows and small farms. A local bus connection from Santander also exists, though it's worth checking the timetable in advance since services are infrequent.

What will you see?

The current building was raised on the site of an older Franciscan convent. The Trinitarian community of Suesa was founded in 1860 by Mother Cruz, a nun originally from El Toboso. Financial support from Doña Juana López Basave made it possible to build the present monastery, into which the sisters moved permanently on 31 January 1887. The house is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph of Nazareth.

A community of Trinitarian nuns still lives here today, following a contemplative life built on prayer, work and community life, in keeping with the rule of Saint John of Matha, founder of the Trinitarian order. Visitors can view the monastery building, the chapel and the surrounding grounds, though parts of the complex remain off-limits as an active religious residence. Since 2001, the Association of Friends of the Suesa Monastery has organised cultural activities connected to the site.

When should you visit?

The monastery can be visited year-round, but it's worth keeping in mind that this is first and foremost a place of religious life rather than a conventional tourist attraction. Spring and summer are the most rewarding seasons, when the weather suits walks around the area and the nearby beaches of Trasmiera. Anyone interested in a retreat or a stay at the guesthouse should arrange the dates beforehand by phone or through the monastery's website.

The Hospedería – the monastery's guesthouse

The hospedería, a guesthouse run by the sisters, stands on the north side of the monastery complex, by its main entrance. It's designed for people seeking quiet, contact with nature, and the chance to join the community's prayer life. The facilities are simple but functional — the hospedería isn't run as a hotel but as a place of spiritual rest, open to both individual guests and groups.

Good to know

Being so close to the sea, a visit to Suesa pairs easily with a trip to other coastal towns of Trasmiera, such as Somo or Loredo, known for their beaches and water sports. With a history stretching back to the 19th century and a religious community still very much alive within its walls, the monastery is a rare example of a site that combines religious heritage with an active role as a spiritual retreat open to outside visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the monastery? Access to the interior is limited since this is an active religious house. Guests staying at the hospedería can take part in the community's prayer life, while regular visitors mostly see the exterior of the building and the chapel.

How do you book a stay at the hospedería? Bookings are made by phone or through the contact form on the monastery's website, ideally well in advance, especially during the summer season.

Is the monastery far from the beach? No — the building stands about five hundred metres from the shoreline, near the mouth of the Cubas river, making the surrounding area appealing for coastal walks as well.

What is the history behind the monastery? The Trinitarian community was founded in 1860, and the sisters moved permanently into the current building — built on the site of a former Franciscan convent — in 1887. It has functioned continuously as a religious house ever since.