MONASTERY OF POBLET SPAIN

Monastery of Poblet is a Cistercian monastery, designed by Arnau Bargués. It was founded by Cistercian monks from France in 1151 in the southern region of Catalonia. It was constructed around the 12th-century church and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It is one of the most powerful monasteries in Spain, built in the 12th and 15th centuries. 

It is famous for its magnificent architecture and consists of the fortified royal residence and the pantheon of Catalonia's and Aragon's kings and queens. The Monastery was constructed as three enclosures with a defensive wall surrounding them. 

The monastery holds immense value in terms of history, art, culture, and spirituality. It also played a crucial part in the agricultural exploitation and repopulation of New Catalonia under the Aragonese Crown. 

The monastery preserves the Royal remains and the history of that era. You can visit the library and scriptorium, well known for their works on law and history starting in the 13th century.

The Monastery of Poblet, located in Catalonia, Spain, is a magnificent and historically significant religious site. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the largest and most well-preserved Cistercian monasteries in Europe. The monastery holds immense cultural and architectural value, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Visit this historical and beautifully structured monastery of Spain with our Europe tour package from India.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the Monastery of Poblet exudes an aura of tranquility and spirituality. Its massive walls, fortified towers, and beautiful cloisters are a testament to the craftsmanship of medieval artisans. The interior houses splendid chapels, stunning altars, and a vast library containing valuable ancient manuscripts.

Poblet Monastery also serves as a final resting place for several generations of the kings of Catalonia and Aragon, adding to its historical significance. Visitors can explore the well-preserved quarters of the monks, the refectory, and the impressive church, as well as witness the daily routines of the resident Cistercian community.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Monastery of Poblet is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers alike, offering a remarkable glimpse into centuries of religious and architectural heritage.

Highlights

• Witness the breathtaking architecture of the ancient monastery, built in the 12th to 15th centuries. 
• Explore the three enclosures of the Monastery of Poblet, which are surrounded by a defensive wall.
• Discover the marvellous architecture of the church dates back to the 12th century in the centre. 
• Stroll around in the peaceful environment, while admiring the picturesque beauty of the monastery.
• Get on a self-guided audio tour with your loved ones and learn about the ancient history of the monastery. 

How To Reach

By Car: The Monastery of Poblet is approximately 44 km from the city centre of Tarragona, Spain, via Autovia Tarragona-Lleida/A-27. It will take around 40 minutes to reach by a cab. 

By Bus: Direct buses are available from Tarragona to the Monastery of Poblet. The bus operates from Monday to Saturday with two daily departures. You can take the bus from Tarragona station, which will drop you off at Monestir de Poblet station. Further, the monastery is approximately a 5-minute walking distance from the station.

By Train: The train also runs thrice in a day from Tarragona station to L'Espluga de Francolí. To cover further around 4 km, you can hire a taxi. 

Best Time To Visit

Monastery of Poblet is a year-round destination, so you can plan your visit as per your availability and seasonal preferences. 

Best season: The best season to visit the Monastery of Poblet is from June to September due to pleasant weather conditions. 

Best day in the week: The best day in the week to visit the Monastery of Poblet is on the weekdays, as weekends can be crowded. 

Best time of the day: The best time of the day to visit the Monastery of Poblet differs from season to season. In winter, from September 15 to June 14, the timings are from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. In summer, from June 15 to September 14, the timings are from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 6:30 PM. Moreover, the monastery is closed on January 1, January 6, December 25 and December 26. On Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday, the monastery is closed in the afternoon.

Other Essential Information

Visitor tips:

Consider using headphones with you for a self-guided audio tour via the “Poblet Official Guide” App. 

The monastery is wheelchair accessible for physically challenged visitors. 

Refrain from throwing litter anywhere and throw it responsibly in the dustbin or carry it with you.

Maintain tranquillity in the environment by talking politely and avoid making loud noises. 

Carry a water bottle and some light snacks as you have to walk a lot to explore the monastery. 

Tripods are not permitted and you have to take pictures handheld. 

The ticket counter is closed half an hour before the closing time of the monastery.