Cistercian Route III: Monastery of Poblet, history and present

Poblet Monastery was built at the foot of the mountains of Meadows in the early twelfth century and today hata remains alive despite the passage of time. With its majesty, thanks to the persistence of the Cistercian monks who inhabited it since its inception and because of the role he developed as a religious headquarters Catalan-Aragonese crown has been widely recognized on numerous occasions.

Walk Montblanc Legend Township

The Poblet monaterio focuses the visits to the region of La Conca de Barbera, however, there are many attractions that surround this place. Because of the historical culture of the vine in this area include the large presence of co-operatives wineries scattered throughout the region, the work of César Martinell (disciple of Antoni Gaudí) and Pere Domènech i Roura. Highlight up to six majestic Gothic buildings that complied with both its function siguados wineries in: Montblanc , the Espluga of Francolí Rocafort de Queralt, Pira, Barbera de la Conca, Sarral ...

The route starts in the capital, Montblanc , emerged at the confluence of the rivers Francolí and Anguera. The history of the town dates back to the XI silo so that in addition to pleasant medieval atmosphere that permeates the streets, you will find many buildings to visit, highlighting the imposing wall that surrounds the town.

There are three religious buildings to visit. First, the old church of Sant Francesc because it was an important center of worship, and then, due to neglect, was used as a factory of wines and spirits, is now used as an exhibition hall and tourist office. Second, the church of St. Mary Major, of large dimensions, and finally the church of Sant Miquel during the fourteenth century was temporarily headquarters Corts Catalanes and the Parliament of Catalonia. All these buildings were erected during the Middle Ages. On the other side of the street of the Jews, the Pont Vell or the Josa Casal are other medieval sites civilian perfectly integrated into the day to day montblanquins.

It is diverse and varied over the inhabitants of Montblanc over time and the current conservation interest which has allowed the old town was declared a Monumental and Artistic and preserved rock paintings, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also a legendary population of Catalonia since stood at their doors the Legend of Sant Jordi, why it is tradition that lovers are gifting a rose every April 23.

The outskirts of the capital

Taking the N-240 towards Lleida we find the Espluga of Francolí , a town known for the caves of Font Major. These cavities, discovered in 1853 in the center of town, are perfectly entitled to be visited and let you see step Francolí River Underworld, as well as a museum that recreates the modus vivendi of primitive man who lived in this area.

Also in the Espluga of Francolí find the winery's oldest cooperative Catalonia Modernist work of Pere Domènech Roura, where now is located the Museum of Wine. Their beautiful forms and majesty inspired Angel Guimera to baptize with the name of "The Cathedral of wine."

Finally include the former hospital of San Juan and the church of San Miguel as most important buildings of the town.

Right from the center of Francolí Espluga find pointers to the Monastery of Poblet.

Following the road find Vimbodí and Poblet , the small village belonging to the Monastery of Poblet. Urban core highlight the Glass Museum, a building that reflects the strong weight of the glass tube industry in the early twentieth century and currently is regained at a local school craft. As religious structure inherited from the Middle Ages is interesting to visit the Church of the Transfiguration dedicated to San Salvador.

The Monastery of Poblet

Four miles southwest of downtown Vimbodí and Poblet is the majestic Monastery of Poblet, but to reach it will have to cross the Poblet Forest. This natural, classified as Natural Area of ??National Interest among lush vegetation hides many walks perfectly corners where indicated. We emphasize the lookout "La Pena", located near the forest house, offering spectacular views of the region, the Font of Boyo and Salt Bridge and picnic areas where we can take a dip. Finally, we have opened two recreation area, with water, tables, barbecue area, parking ... Castellfollit ravine calls and Les Colònies perfect to go with children.

At this point we will have gone through all the context that has made ??the Poblet Monastery is an exceptional, internationally recognized. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, has been awarded the Cross of Sant Jordi from the Generalitat in 2005 and has been included within the route of Cistercian Monasteries along with Santes Creus (Alt Camp) and Vallbona of them monks (Urgell) . Poblet is a symbol of Catalonia.

It was built in 1150 to host the Cistercian monks until the early nineteenth century when the profound social changes led to its abandonment and subsequent looting. In 1941 the community again inhabit until today. During the fourteenth and fifteenth century was the religious headquarters of the Crown of Aragon, which allowed maintaining and growing your own land reaching from Valencia to the Pyrenees. From this legacy we receive the tombs of many notables of the History of Catalonia, James I and Peter II of Aragon and others.