Santes Creus is a hamlet of Aiguamúrcia in Alt Camp county of Tarragona (province). The main visit is the Santes Creus monastery ("Holy crosses monastery") , which is part of Cister Route, that links together the three Cistercian monasteries of Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona. Also is a stage in the Catalan Way of St. James
41.3472221.3627781The Monastery of Santa Maria de Santes Creus, Plaça de Jaume el Just, ☏ +34 977 63 83 29. Tu–Sa: Oct–Apr 10:00–17:30, May–Sep 10:00–19:00; Su and public holidays: 10:00–15:00; closed M (except public holidays), 25–26 Dec, 1 & 6 Jan.. For guided visits contact [email protected] or +34 977 63 85 56. €6. (updated Dec 2025)
Church: The church, started in 1174, was finished around 1225. It was consecrated in 1211. It has a Latin cross plan, with a nave and lower aisles of six bays. The crossing is surmounted by a dome raised on a tall octagonal drum in Gothic style, and topped by a Baroque lantern. he main façade has a Romanesque portal from the 12th century, surmounted by a large Gothic stained glass window. As in many other Cistercian churches, the interior has no decoration, aside from the tombs and the altarpiece by Josep Tremulles, dating to 1640.
Royal tombs: The sepulchre of King Peter III was executed from 1291 to 1307 by Bartomeu de Girona, and looks richer than those of his son (and commissioner of the work), James II, and of the latter's wife, Blanche of Naples. It consists of an urn surrounded by the images of saints, placed over a red porphyry Roman bath brought here by admiral Roger de Lluria.The mausoleum of James II and his wife Blanche was created by Bertran Riquer in 1313–1315. The tombs are in marble, with portraits of the two monarchs, wearing Cistercian attires, lying on the two slopes of the sepulchre's top.
CloisterCloister: By request of King James II, the original cloister was largely demolished and replaced by a Gothic cloister designed by Reynard of Fonoll, whose work was continued by his disciple Guillem de Seguer. The style of tracery which fills the upper parts of each ogival opening in the cloister arcade varies from English Geometric to Catalan in design. The clustered columns have highly ornamented capitals with foliate, animal and human figures, as well as biblical scenes. Recesses in the walls house tombs of several Catalan noblemen, and show remains of paintings, one representing the Annunciation.The cloister can be accessed from the monastery's external square through the Porta de l'Assumpta or Porta Reial ("Royal Gate"), a Romanesque portal.
Chapter house and dormitory: The chapter house follows the typical design of the Cistercian monasteries, being located in the center of the cloister's eastern wing and separated from the sacristy by the end of the church's transept. The orientation of the room admits the morning light through three windows opening in the eastern wall. The entrance from the cloister is through a Romanesque portal framed on either side by a large mullioned window of equal height, the three openings forming a triple arcade. The hall has a square plan, divided into nine cross vaulted sections by four central columns. The dormitory is a large (c. 46 x 11 m), undecorated hall without any partitions for the monks, who, initially slept on straw mattresses lying on the floor. The wooden rafters are supported on a series of ogival stone arches that spring from corbels in the side walls.
41.3465471.3617252Santes Creus Riverside forest (Albereda de Santes Creus) (within walking distance of city center). The Santes Creus grove is a natural space that has been receiving more and more visitors for over 50 years. Unique as a riverside forest in all of Catalonia, it was declared a space of natural interest by the Generalitat. This mass of trees occupies 12 hectares. It has a picnic area. (updated Dec 2025)
Cister Route (Ruta del Cister). Walk, Ride o MTB Cycle. The Cistercian Route (GR 175) invites travelers to experience the heart of Catalonia through a captivating journey linking the magnificent monasteries of Santes Creus, Poblet, and Vallbona de les Monges. Winding through the gentle hills of Alt Camp, Conca de Barberà, and Urgell, the trail unveils a mosaic of vineyards, olive groves, and golden fields framed by stone terraces and mountain peaks. Hikers and cyclists alike can enjoy breathtaking scenery across natural sites such as the Poblet Forest, Prades Mountains, and Tossal Gros de Miramar, reaching the summit of Cogulló at 881 m. This circular route is flexible, accessible from any point, and adaptable for mountain and e‑bikes thanks to dedicated variants and charging stations in every village. With cozy accommodation, cultural heritage, and a touch of adventure, the Cistercian Route offers an unforgettable fusion of nature, history, and sustainable travel through one of Catalonia’s most enchanting landscapes. (updated Dec 2025)
Start in Montblanc, a medieval walled town accessible by train from Barcelona (R14 line, ~2.5 hours). From Poblet Natural Park, Montblanc is just 12 km away on foot. Obtain the Cistercian Route Pass for discounted entry to all three monasteries. Pack comfortable hiking shoes, water, and weather gear—summers are hot, winters cool and rainy. Accommodations range from pilgrim hostels to rural hotels in villages like L'Espluga de Francolí and Rocafort de Queralt. The full GR-175 trail takes 5-7 days; shorter car tours focus on monasteries.
Begin in Montblanc's historic center with its Gothic Santa Maria church and town walls. Head north through Conca de Barberà's rolling vineyards and olive groves into the wooded Prades Mountains within Poblet Natural Park. The trail winds past rural farms, offering views of cork oaks and almond trees. Arrive at Real Monasterio de Santa María de Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. This vast 12th-century complex, still home to Cistercian monks, features a Romanesque-Gothic church with royal tombs (including Aragonese kings), a stunning cloister, chapter house, and kitchen. Join evening vespers for Gregorian chants. Stay at Hostatgeria de Poblet or nearby guesthouses.
Depart Poblet eastward across farmland and Serra del Tallat ridges with panoramic views. Pass through quiet hamlets like Blancafort and Solivella, showcasing dry-stone (secà) architecture. The path levels into Urgell's flatlands dotted with cereals. Reach Monasterio de Santa María de Vallbona, founded in 1150 for Cistercian nuns (still active today). Highlights include its 14th-century rose window, Romanesque cloister, and Gothic dormitory. Experience contemplative vespers in this intimate setting. lodging Vallbona de les Monges Monestir lodging or Transfer to Rocallaura or Tàrrega for lodging amid vineyards.
From Vallbona, traverse almond groves and low hills toward Rocafort de Queralt, a wine village in Penedès DO. Sample local cava at cooperatives. The stage is gentle, passing rural tracks with birdwatching opportunities. Explore the village's castle ruins and Baroque church. Overnight in nearby Belltall or Vallverd rural hotels.
Stage 4: Rocafort de Queralt to Santes Creus (24 km)
Descend Gaià River Valley through terraced vineyards and wooded slopes. Arrive at Monasterio de Santa María de Santes Creus in Aiguamúrcia, founded 1168. This golden-limestone gem features a simple Cistercian church, elegant cloister, and royal pantheon. Less crowded than Poblet, it offers serene self-guided tours. Lodging in Santes Creus lodging section or nearby.
Climb gently through groves back to Montblanc, crossing Conca Plain with final vineyard vistas. End with a stroll along Montblanc's 14th-century walls and towers. Celebrate with local cuisine like escudella stew or Priorat wines.
Difficulty: Moderate (daily 400-550m elevation). Best May-October; avoid midday heat. GR-175 markers guide the way. Free audioguides at monasteries. Combine with Poblet Natural Park hikes for wildlife. Families can drive the circuit in 1-2 days. Sustainable tourism: support local farms, respect trails. This route immerses you in Catalonia's medieval soul amid stunning inland scenery.
Carquinyolis are traditional Catalan cookies that are very dry, crisp, and full of almonds. They are typically made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, eggs, and whole almonds, baked in a log and then sliced into small, crunchy pieces. Usually enjoyed with coffee, sweet wine, or hot chocolate.
41.3469061.362551Bakery (Carquinyolis Maria Teresa), Carrer de Pere el Gran, 1. (updated Dec 2025)
Calçotada is a full meal, available from Christmas until mid April, based on the calçot, a kind of young onion grilled and eaten with a sauce. Usually the dish comprises assorted grilled meats, and some dessert after that. This is usually a group meal, but is also available for couples or families.
Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet in Poblet Natural Park , It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Cistercian monasteries in Europe. It's part of "Cister route".
Nuns Monastery of Vallbona de les Monges.It's part of "Cister route". Is the most important female cistercenc monastery in Catalonia.
Valls Known by the Castells (human towers) and the Calçotada food.
Montblanc, An still walled 12th century city, with nice downtown and intersting jewish quarter. It's also a gateway to the Cistercian Route and the scenic Prades Mountains. It hosts the annual Medieval Week in April,
Tarragona. The Roman city, Tarraco, was one of the Roman Empire's most important cities in Spain and a provincial capital. A number of buildings and landmarks remain from that era and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many are within walking distance of the town center.
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