2025 Vimbodi i Poblet Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet is a monastery of the Cistercian order founded in 1150. It is located near the village of Prades, in the Conca de Barberà region, which is the mountainous area near Tarragona, in southern Catalonia. Getting there by car could take about 1’5 hours drive from downtown Barcelona, it is well communicated through main roads in good condition. Poblet constitutes an impressive architectural complex that can be counted among the most important monastic complexes in Europe. Still today it is an active monastery with a flourishing community of religious personnel who go about with their lives here, and it is possible to visit and understand how they live during the open visit hours. Definitely a worth detour if you are in Barcelona for a one-day trip or even a weekend getaway where you get also the enjoy the surround mountain area. 📍 43448 Poblet, Tarragona 🕜 Daily 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:00 🎟️ From 8’5€ per person #fallingseason

#mytraveldiary Monasterio de Poblet in Catalonia is a stunning Cistercian monastery that invites visitors to explore centuries of history, architecture, and spiritual heritage. Located in the peaceful countryside near Vimbodí i Poblet, the monastery’s impressive stone walls, grand cloisters, and beautifully preserved chapels create an atmosphere of calm and reverence. Walking through its historic halls, you’ll uncover fascinating stories of monks, kings, and the region’s rich past. The surrounding natural landscape adds to the experience, offering scenic views and tranquil walking paths. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours that provide insight into the monastery’s architecture, art, and daily life over the centuries. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, Monasterio de Poblet offers a memorable journey into Catalonia’s cultural and spiritual heart.

Spanish Mediterranean Coast Tour ~ Tarragona (Region) The harmonious Monastery of Poblet, founded in the 12th century, is perfectly preserved and full of surprises, such as the medieval walls with 12 towers, the Romanesque door leading to the cloister, the curious little temple on one side of the cloister, the chapter house, the church with vaults and walls without any decoration, to which over time the Gothic royal mausoleum with a revival of the altar of the 16th century was added. The tour starts at the visitor center with a very interesting projection. If you don't have a guide, you can visit on your own by downloading a very complete audio guide on your phone. The church can be entered independently of the guided tours of the monastery. You can attend worship services (liturgies) held by the monks in the monastery several times a day. A visit is highly recommended due to its historical and monumental significance as well as its state of conservation. #FebruaryDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Catalonia #ChurchVisit

Spanish Mediterranean Coast Tour ~ Tarragona (Region) Surrounded by lush nature, this Gold Coast town has strong ties to the wine industry. L'Espluga is located on the so-called Cistercian route and is the entrance to the Monastery of Poblet. This Cistercian monastic complex is one of the most important in Spain and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Bathed in the waters of the Milans and Francolí Rivers, L'Espluga de Francolí is one of the most visited towns inland from Tarragona. The incredible natural beauty of the surroundings and the proximity to the Monastery of Poblet (which still hosts a monastic community) have allowed this city, with strong agricultural roots, to develop an important tourist infrastructure related to outdoor sports such as hiking, cycling and horseback riding, rock climbing and caving. Its status as a summer resort dates back to the late 19th century, when Las Masías was a hotel complex on the outskirts of town that took advantage of the special properties of the area’s thermal springs. In addition to numerous natural attractions, the city center of L'Espluga de Francolí offers numerous cultural and leisure opportunities. Without a doubt, one of the most interesting places to visit is the Font Major Cave Museum. Discovered by accident in 1853, the cave consists of a series of underground passages of karst origin through which the waters of the Francoli River flow, and which have historically housed various human settlements. Part of its facilities hosts an interesting exhibition showing the various lifestyles of ancient inhabitants during the Early Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages. #FebruaryDestinations2025 #SpainTravel #Catalonia