Museo de Arte Bizantino del Monasterio de la Trinidad

Permanent collection of icons and Byzantine art at the Trinity Monastery in Mutxamel, next to an icon workshop.

Opening hours

About the museum

The Trinity Monastery was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, in the area influenced by the road junction between Tángel, Montnegre and San Joan, and underwent some reforms in the second half of the 19th century. It was restored by the monks of the Monastic Fraternity of Peace, who have lived there since 26 October 1982. On 7 July 1983 a suitable building was completed, and the nuns of the Fraternity moved their residence there.

The complex comprises two houses, one of them from the 17th century, which contain the monastery church, the general quarters, the library and the Chapter House, where the permanent museum collection is displayed. Next to the chapel of the Mother of God Portaïtissa is room 2 of the museum and a room with works by the monks and nuns, followed by the icon workshop. The church, whose frescoes and decoration recall the Byzantine art developed in Ravenna from the 5th century onwards, occupies the centre of the Plaza de la Iglesia.

The collection brings together icons from different traditions, including Coptic icons painted on papyrus, icons of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Eastern rite, depictions of the Mother of God and of Christ Pantocrator, reproductions of Georgian enamelled crosses, Byzantine goldwork and liturgical objects, along with works from the monastery’s own workshop. The collection was recognised as a museum by the Generalitat Valenciana in 1999.

Highlights

Coptic icons painted on papyrus and icons of the Twelve Great Feasts
Icons of the Mother of God and of Christ Pantocrator
Byzantine goldwork and liturgical objects
The monastery’s icon workshop
Church with frescoes inspired by Byzantine art