House of Spirituality
The House of Spirituality occupies most of the building originally constructed as a convent and novitiate for the Dominican friars between 1952 and 1957, when it was inaugurated. In 1991, it was remodeled to adapt it as a retreat house. This building surrounds a tower built for defensive purposes in the late 11th century.
This site holds great significance for the entire Order, whose historical value and artistic richness are offered to guests and visitors as part of our mission of preaching.
The facilities of the House are designed to accommodate retreats, gatherings, meetings, cultural visits, spiritual exercises, and high-level religious events. It has hosted several assemblies of the friars of Spain, known as provincial chapters, as well as some general chapters with representatives of friars from around the world, along with other international meetings of nuns, friars, and lay members.
Accommodation
The House of Spirituality offers lodging with options for full board, half board, or bed and breakfast in single, double, or even triple rooms. The House can accommodate up to 150 guests. It also includes a hostel with a capacity for 44 people.
In addition to the rooms, it features chapels, museum rooms, an auditorium, dining rooms, classrooms, lounges, gardens, among other facilities described below.
Rates for 2025
Triple / Double / Single Rooms:
- Full board: €65
- Half board: €55
- Bed and breakfast: €40
Hostel Rates:
- Full board: €50
- Half board: €40
- Bed and breakfast: €30
Meals:
- Breakfast: €6
- Lunch/Dinner menu: €18
- Snacks outside regular hours at Posada Tolosa: €20
Discounts: Children aged 0–3: Free, children aged 4–12: 50% off the applicable rate.
Regular Schedules:
- Meal Times:
- Breakfast: 09:00–10:00
- Lunch: 14:00
- Dinner: 21:00
- Reception Hours:
- Open: 11:00–13:30 and 16:00–18:00
- Closed: Monday (all day)
Community of Friars:
A community of friars resides in the House, managing various responsibilities such as the parish, the chaplaincy of the nuns, and, together with a team of lay collaborators, attending to guests, visitors, and the overall needs of the House. Guests requiring sacramental or spiritual assistance may approach any of the friars. Additionally, guests are welcome to participate in the regular religious services at the following times:
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08:00 Morning Mass with Lauds (except Sundays and holidays) in the Nuns’ Church.
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13:30 Rosary and Midday Prayer (except Sundays and holidays)*
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20:10 Meditation*
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20:35 Vespers and Compline*
*Held in the Chapel of Blessed Juana.
Sunday Masses in the village:
- 10:30 in the Monastery Church.
- 12:00 in the Parish Church of Saint Sebastian the Martyr.
Spaces
The House of Spirituality features a variety of spaces constructed in different periods and for diverse purposes, all now dedicated to showcasing the life and work of Dominic of Guzmán, the Order, and serving the mission of Preaching. These spaces hold a rich historical and artistic heritage that gives this imposing building its unique and special character. This variety reflects the many forms in which preaching is carried out. Guests and visitors will be captivated by more than one of these spaces, making their stay at the House a singular and unforgettable experience.
Guzmán Tower
Dating back to the 11th century and once part of the now-vanished walls of Caleruega, the Guzmán Tower served as the defensive core of the village. Standing at four stories high, it has been adapted into an exhibition hall. The tower was part of a network of defensive constructions along the Duero River.
The structure has a rectangular base, rises 17 meters tall, and boasts walls up to 2 meters thick. Its architectural features and historical significance make it an essential landmark for visitors interested in the medieval heritage of Caleruega.
Museum of Saint Dominic
The Museum of Saint Dominic is a small yet captivating space designed to introduce visitors to the life of Saint Dominic of Guzmán, his journey, and the origins of the Order of Preachers.
The exhibition features 10 engravings by Friar Albert Carpetier, interspersed with 4 stained glass windows, narrating the story of this renowned native of Caleruega. The display is further enriched with various paintings and sculptural images, offering an engaging and insightful experience into the life and legacy of Saint Dominic.
Cellar of Blessed Juana
Descending a set of stairs, visitors arrive at the place where, according to tradition, Saint Dominic's mother, Blessed Juana, experienced the miracle of water turning into wine.
In the cool atmosphere of this historic cellar, guests can admire an allegorical altarpiece, adding a spiritual and artistic dimension to this remarkable space
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Choral Chapel
The Choral Chapel is a majestic space where light takes center stage, surrounded by exquisite stained glass windows crafted by Dominican artist Domingo Iturgáiz.
Its exceptional acoustics make it ideal not only for liturgical services but also for musical events, offering a serene and inspiring atmosphere for all who visit.
Museo de Fray Alfonso Salas O.P.
The Museum offers a curated collection showcasing the sculptural excellence of this renowned artist, a member of our community of friars. The artist himself provides insight into his work, conveying the strength and symbolism behind each of the pieces on display. This museum allows visitors to connect with the profound meaning and craftsmanship of Friar Alfonso’s creations..
Jardines del Claustro
The Cloister Gardens of the House offer an ideal setting for reflective walks. Visitors can explore the entire exterior, enjoying the shade of a large chestnut tree and nearly century-old trees, while resting on the benches scattered throughout the gardens or on the terraces of the tower. These peaceful spaces provide a tranquil atmosphere perfect for contemplation and relaxation.
Hall of Busts
Located on the ground floor, the busts of illustrious Dominicans, crafted by the sculptor Romero, greet visitors like two rows of friars. These lead into display cases containing religious artifacts and religious artworks. This hall is filled with history and art, offering a rich cultural experience for all who pass through.
Study Library and Iturgáiz Room
Adjacent to the small library and lounge, accessible from the lobby of the Choral Chapel, is a display of ancient chant books and 15 watercolors by Friar Domingo Berceruelo. At the center of the room, a stunning mosaic by Dominican artist Iturgáiz dominates the space, creating a focal point for visitors to admire. This room combines history, art, and spirituality in a tranquil setting.
Chapel of the Dominican Friars
This small chapel, dedicated to Blessed Juana de Aza, has a unique charm, stemming from its daily use by the Dominican friars, the essence of the House. It harmoniously combines sculptures by Alfonso Salas with stained glass windows by Domingo Iturgáiz, which clearly express the Dominican charism. The chapel offers a deeply spiritual atmosphere, inviting contemplation and connection with the rich Dominican heritage.
Dominican Library
The Dominican Library houses thousands of works and is accessible upon request. Its primary purpose is to collect as much bibliography as possible related to Saint Dominic and the Order of Preachers. The library also offers an online catalog, making its rich collection a valuable resource for those interested in Dominican history, theology, and spirituality.
Meeting Rooms
To meet the needs of our visitors and guests, the House of Spirituality offers several rooms equipped for a variety of purposes. These spaces are designed to accommodate meetings, workshops, and gatherings, providing a comfortable and functional environment for all occasions..
Assembly Hall
The Auditorium is equipped with sound and audiovisual projection facilities, making it ideal for conferences, presentations, and similar activities. The seating capacity is 120 people.
Chapter Hall
The Chapter Hall provides a comfortable space for cultural or executive meetings. It features audiovisual and sound systems for each participant, with multiple channels available for simultaneous translation. This room has a capacity of 70 people, making it a versatile choice for various types of gatherings.
Multipurpose Rooms
The Multipurpose Rooms are designed to accommodate large groups of up to 120 people. These spaces can be divided into three independent rooms to suit the needs of smaller groups, offering flexibility for various meeting formats.
Homeroom
Located on the first floor, the Homeroom features a small stage and can host up to 70 people. It is equipped with a sound amplifier and projection facilities, making it an excellent choice for lectures, workshops, and presentations.