In 1556 Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor retired to the Monastery of Yuste, near Cuacos de Yuste, after having abdicated the Spanish crown in favor of his son Philip II of Spain and the crown of the Holy Roman Empire in favor his brother Ferdinand I. The monastery was expanded in 1556 to make room for the emperor and the 50 or 60 members of his entourage.
From time to time, well-known people, including his illegitimate son Don Juan de Austria, as well as his heir Philip II of Spain, came to visit the retired emperor. He suffered, however, from a severe case of the gout, and died on September 21, 1558. He was buried in the monastery church, though his remains were later transferred to San Lorenzo del Escorial.
During the Spanish War of Independence, the monastery was burnt to the ground. It was left in ruins until 1949, when the Spanish government restored it at the behest of Francisco Franco.
The area around Yuste, the Valle del Jerte, is now an eco-tourist destination. Tourists can visit the monastery, including the emperor's apartments. The valley is also known for its cherry trees and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
External links
El Monasterio de Yuste (http://yuste.org/monasterio/) Official website of the Monastery of Yuste.
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