Masterbation Question

many years ago as a teenager, I first visited together with my parents and others, the natural landscape of Desert Palms, between Benicassim and Castellón. From that brief visit I only remember the detail that the closure of the monastery could only access for men and the story that they bought a major garrafilla a sweet liqueur made by the Carmelite Fathers of the field with herbs as a secret formula that as explanatory leaflet read a long time was running down the family home.

Now, after half a century, stepping over the threshold of old age, I have returned back to the Desierto de las Palmas, of course, with different sensitivity and greater knowledge than I had then. So I know the name of "desert" that receives the place is on the ground that there was traditionally a place of meditation where suspects were leaving the ascetics only inhabitants of the hermitage and the name of "Las Palmas is because the abundance of" margalló "or palm, a species native to the area.

In the primitive hermitages appears that five would still be habitable for those who seek solitude and retreat a few miles from the busy city and beach. The most famous of the Mount Bartolo, whose name is taken from a hermit called the brother Bartholomew had to live here at home.

this intricate natural landscape rises from sea level, at the height of Benicassim, on a winding road that rises to the altitude of 480 meters. Before leaving the car park near the monastery (or back, if you prefer) should stop at the lookout, to see the valley spread out before our eyes in the direction of the nearby coast and done, if desired, photographs ) From here you can see the remains of the original monastery built between 1697 and 1733 and that because of torrential rains flooded and forced'm building a new monastery in safer place. The calm soul, contemplating this landscape.

ancient monastery seen from the viewpoint

Continuing with the car or on foot, as you prefer, the road then you get to the monastery again. It was built between 1784 and 1791 "following the traces of the Child Jesus brother Joaquin." The project was first approved by the Real Academia de San Carlos de Valencia, as I read on the website of the monastery.

The monastery has before it a wide entrance and is surrounded by a via crucis with ceramic tiles that tell the seasons. around his loom, guarded by fences, orchards, gardens, pleasant and quiet corners that invite meditation or at least, to stillness.

The center of the building is occupied and l temple which is entered through a wide corridor. On the walls there are legends of these I like to write or photograph and a representation of "critical path" of ascent of Mount Caramel, for me not understandable.

The small temple structure is very simple. Latin cross floor covered with a barrel vault and dome in the center half sphere on scallops. White stucco decorations, classic taste. In the altarpiece of Santa Teresa Transverberation and housed in niches in the cruise several carvings of saints. Rounding out the bad paintings embellished with scenes from the life of the Carmelite saint. The set is in my view, a bit cold.

Interior

temple at the foot of the temple, and left as you enter, there is a chapel vault with niches that hold the remains of 35 victims of the war Carmelites civil. There are other agencies that have not visited: Archive-Library, Museum 1, Center for Spirituality "Santa Teresa de Jesus for retreats and spiritual exercises or who want to spend a few days off in such a relaxed place, House of Prayer, on the other side of the road for those who want spiritual experiences "stronger", Novitiate, Youth hostel ... and up Valencian specialty restaurant with spectacular views.

For latter one, off a souvenir shop, offers you the opportunity to buy the usual postcards, stamps, various religious objects and even a bottle of liquor Carmelite "excellent drink, well proportioned, tuning the mind and enhances mood ", according to the current promotion (in warehouses and store Benicasim) and in my case I may be reunited with a taste of yesteryear.

© Manuel Martínez Bargueño
November, 2009 ( last update March 2010 )

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NOTES 1. The fact that the convent was saved from the confiscation of Mendizábal explains that the Carmelite community save an interesting collection of works of art, among which an eighteenth-century Neapolitan nativity scene and the monstrance Virgin and Child XVII century. Part of this heritage was displayed in the exhibition "Holy Desert" held at the monastery and the Museum of Fine Arts in Castellon over the summer of 2006.