THE MOST UNKNOWN PERIOD OF THE MONASTERY OF OIA—ITS LAST 150 YEARS—TOLD BY THE FAMILIES WHO LIVED THERE, LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO WORKED THERE AND HISTORIANS WHO STUDIED IT.
MARCO Vigo and the Bretal Foundation joined forces with the Monastery of Oia to share with the public in Vigo the history of the only Cistercian monastery located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, through this documentary work directed by Cristina de la Torre and produced by the Bretal Foundation, which is responsible for the cultural programming of the Monastery. The project forms part of a broader research effort aimed at the recovery of historical memory.
The documentary brings together testimonies from former owners, historians, friends and residents of Santa María de Oia, recounting how a medieval monastery can be transformed into a home—a metamorphosis from monastery to manor house.
The film, the result of meticulous research and documentation led by the Bretal Foundation, offers a unique perspective. Through the voices of former owners, historians, friends and local residents of Santa María de Oia, audiences are immersed in the remarkable transformation of a medieval monastery into a home, with compelling stories to tell.
The Galería A3 room, a former cell, provided the perfect setting for the screening. Both MARCO Vigo and the Monastery share a past in which they housed prisoners within their walls, as a prison and a concentration camp respectively.
On 6 October, the official presentation of the documentary took place, marked by a premiere screening followed by a panel discussion featuring Xoán Martínez, Director of the Monastery of Oia, the film’s director Cristina de la Torre, and Santiago Pintos from the architecture studio Rodríguez + Pintos. During the discussion, they shared insights and experiences related to the production process, revealing details of various interventions carried out over time and offering a glimpse into future plans. Two additional free public screenings were also held, allowing a wider audience to immerse themselves in the rich experiences that form part of the Monastery of Oia’s history.
This project not only sheds light on the Monastery of Oia, but also highlights the importance of preserving Galicia’s history and sharing the stories that have shaped this iconic place over the years. With the support of MARCO Vigo and the dedication of the Bretal Foundation, this documentary stands as a tribute to historical and cultural memory, offering the public a unique window into its previously unknown past.
