One recent summer, Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt traveled through Spain¿from Barcelona in the north to Málaga on the southern Mediterranean coast¿staying exclusively in ancient monasteries. As they quickly discovered, these intriguing places are ripe with history, art, and culture (living museums); peopled by a dying breed of monks and nuns (last chance to see); rarely visited (so few tourists); and open to anyone who cares to stop by (you don't have to be religious, although it doesn't hurt if you are). They are also inexpensive (much of the time); eager for customers (most of the time) and always hospitable (in keeping with the Rule of St. Benedict). This account of the authors' journey shows what it is like to turn your back on tourist Spain (and the hotels, pensions, and up-market paradors) and immerse yourself in the cowled world of Spain's ancient monasteries. This is not a guide book, but it does contain enough information for you to plan a similar journey of your own. The tone is irreverent at times, often amusing, but always respectful and entertaining. Monasteries visited¿ El Reial Monestir de Santa María de Vallbona ¿ El Monasterio de la Virgen de Monlora ¿ El Monasterio de San Salvador de Leyre ¿ El Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás ¿ El Monasterio de la Purísima Concepción y San José ¿ El Monasterio de la Santa María de las Escalonias ¿ Convento de la Purísima Concepción (Santa María) Marchena