Monasterio de Poblet

The greatest Cistercian monastery in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Royal pantheon of the Crown of Aragón, with magnificent Gothic cloisters and a fortified precinct.

History

Founded in 1150 by Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona, Poblet became the spiritual center of the Crown of Aragón. Kings from Alfonso II to Juan II were buried in the Royal Pantheon. After destruction during the Desamortización, Italian Cistercian monks restored the monastery in 1940.

Architecture

The complex is enclosed by three rings of walls. The church follows the Cistercian plan with a magnificent Gothic retablo by Damià Forment. The Royal Pantheon features elaborate Gothic tombs on arched platforms. The lavatorium cloister is a masterpiece of Gothic tracery.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Royal Pantheon of Aragonese kings
• Three rings of fortified walls
• Gothic retablo by Damià Forment
• Active Cistercian community

More Monasteries in Catalonia

• Monasterio de Montserrat — Benedictine, 11th Century. Catalonia's most sacred site, perched high in bizarre serrated mountains. Home to the Black Virgin (La Moreneta) and the world-famous Escolania boys' choir, one of Europe's oldest.
• Monasterio de Santes Creus — Cistercian, 12th Century. One of three great Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia (the 'Cistercian Triangle'), with the finest Gothic cloister in Spain. Royal tombs of Peter III and James II lie in its magnificent church.
• Sant Pere de Rodes — Benedictine, 10th Century. A spectacularly sited Benedictine monastery perched on a mountaintop above the Cap de Creus peninsula, with panoramic views to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.
• Monasterio de Ripoll — Benedictine, 9th Century. Known as the 'cradle of Catalonia', its Romanesque portal — the 'Bible in Stone' — is one of the finest examples of medieval sculpture in Europe. Founded by Count Wilfred the Hairy.

Explore nearby: Catalonia guide · Tarragona province · Castles of Tarragona