In a momentous return for tourism in the region, the Monasterio de Piedra reopened its doors on March 22, 2025, after being closed for almost five months due to significant damage caused by a severe storm known locally as ‘dana’ that hit in October 2024. With repairs costing nearly 900,000 euros, the iconic site, known for its stunning natural beauty, has been restored, attracting over 300 eager visitors on its reopening day. The reopening is seen as a critical step in revitalizing the local economy that suffered a downturn during the lengthy closure.
The storm wreaked havoc on the region, destroying bridges, walkways, and paths, which made access to the Monasterio challenging. However, upon reopening, visitors were quick to praise the resilience of the site. “Very well, very beautiful. The waterfalls are spectacular. The damage from the storm is not noticeable,” remarked one visitor. Clara Gormedino, the communication head of the Monasterio, emphasized, “The beauty of nature is exuberant. The main characters remain the same: the stone, the water, and the vegetation.”
Local business owners expressed relief and hope as the Monasterio's reopening is set to boost regional tourism and restore foot traffic that had dropped to nearly zero during the closure. “Today, we woke up with excitement to see a bit more traffic,” celebrated Francisco José Lafuente, a local butcher. Meanwhile, Eduardo Pardos, owner of Hotel Río Piedra, noted the closure provided an opportunity to make improvements to his establishment. “We’ve made some fixes in the hotel and upgraded our management programs,” he said.
Despite the optimistic atmosphere surrounding the reopening, not all businesses are recovering smoothly. The Association of Businessmen of the Environment of La Tranquera (AEET) revealed that some businesses may not reopen due to the lasting impact of the storm. “There are businesses that won’t return and will close due to the situation,” said Eduardo Pardos, who is also the association’s president. The community calls for more extensive promotional efforts to highlight the region’s rich heritage.
The restoration efforts were extensive, as nearly five kilometers of trails suffered considerable flooding during the storm, leading to the obliteration of paths, walls, and bridges within the park. The depth of the storm’s damage necessitated a vigorous recovery process, and the management of Monasterio de Piedra committed substantial investments to restore access and ensure safety. “We worked hard to recover,” said Gormedino.
As the natural park welcomes its visitors back, many are eager to rediscover the transformed landscape—while the beauty remains intact, the changes the storm wrought are evident in altered waterfalls and riverbanks. “It’s beautiful but different,” mentioned another visitor, acknowledging the noticeable effects of nature’s unpredictability.
Despite challenges, there’s a palpable sense of camaraderie among local business owners and tourists as they celebrated this significant step forward. The reopening symbolizes perseverance and the collective effort to restore the region’s beloved landmarks.
As spring approaches, the Monasterio de Piedra is not just a destination; it is a testament to resilience and recovery. Shoring up tourism will take work, but the reopening marks a hopeful beginning. The community is encouraging everyone to visit, re-experience nature’s bounty, and support local businesses that are struggling to find their footing once again.
