Rocío Monasterio began her architectural studies at the Higher Technical School of Architecture of Madrid in 1992, eventually securing her degree in 2009. Her professional trajectory involved founding her own firm, Rocío Monasterio and Associates, in 2000, where she focused on the acquisition of properties to be renovated into high-end lofts throughout the city of Madrid.
Architectural Practice and Qualification
Before completing her formal degree, Monasterio operated as a facultative director on various building projects as early as 2003. This early activity generated questions regarding the legality of plans and certifications she signed prior to her 2009 graduation. Beyond her local work, she gained recognition in 1997 when she received a prize from Otis International for a design concept involving 3,000 homes in Hong Kong.
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Born in 1974, Monasterio maintains dual citizenship in Spain and Cuba, with reports on her specific birthplace split between Cienfuegos Province and Madrid. Her family history is rooted in the Cuban sugar industry, as her ancestors owned the Compañía Azucarera Atlántica del Golfo and the Manuelita sugar mill. Following the nationalisation of their properties during the Cuban revolution, her family relocated to Spain, where her father subsequently established the first KFC restaurant franchise in the country.
Legislative Tenure and Political Stance
Monasterio served as a member of the Assembly of Madrid, holding her seat through the 11th term until her resignation on 10 October 2024. Her political platform consistently opposed abortion and supported the rights of the unborn. She advocated for the replacement of laws concerning violence against women with a broader framework addressing family violence. Her public positions included criticism of the Cuban government, opposition to surrogacy, and support for relocating the Madrid Gay Pride Parade.
Personal Life and Public Media
She married real estate developer Iván Espinosa de los Monteros on 15 May 2001, and the couple has four children. In 2012, they moved into a residence designed by Monasterio and constructed by her husband's firm, with an estimated valuation of 3 million euros. Outside of architecture and politics, she served as a frequent media commentator, appearing on the programme El gato al agua and various CNN en Español segments to discuss developments in Cuba.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974
- Birthplace: Cienfuegos Province or Madrid
- Education: Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid
- Spouse: Iván Espinosa de los Monteros
- Citizenship: Spain, Cuba
- Languages: Spanish, English
Questions readers ask
When did Rocío Monasterio leave her position in the Assembly of Madrid?
She resigned from all political positions on 10 October 2024.
What was the subject of Monasterio's 1997 design award?
She received an award from Otis International for a project involving 3,000 homes in Hong Kong.
Achievements
- Movement: anti-abortion movement
- Trained at Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid and Technical University of Madrid
