The largest monastery of the Cistercian Route, Unesco-listed Santa Maria de Poblet was founded by monks from southern France in 1150. It rose rapidly to become Catalonia’s most powerful monastery. Highlights include the mostly Gothic main cloister and the alabaster sculptural treasures of the Panteón de los Reyes (Kings’ Pantheon). The raised alabaster sarcophagi contain such greats as Jaume I (the conqueror of Mallorca and Valencia) and Pere III. Entry is strictly by semi-guided tours (Catalan and Spanish), which operate every 20 minutes during opening hours.
A community of Cistercian monks moved back in after the Spanish Civil War and did much to restore the monastery to its former glory after decades of ruin. Today there is a modern monastic community of more than 30.
