Nobles and Abbots in the Middle Ages
During the 12th century, the Christian reconquest rapidly advanced towards the south of the Catalan territory, the so-called “New Catalonia”. The Cistercian order was that charge with repopulating a good part of those territories thanks to the donation of lands that the Earls of Barcelona made to the Cistercian monks. So, a few kilometers away, we find three of the most important monasteries of the late Middle Ages in Catalonia: For their proximity and their conserved condition, they are today a crucial point of cultural tourism in the interior of Catalonia.
Montblanc and Poblet Monastery
We propose you to spend a whole day knowing the interior of Catalonia. The shire of the Conca de Barberà hosts some of the jewels of this period, among them, the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and that’s still inhabited today by a community of Cistercian monks. Throughout the middle Ages it became one of the most powerful in the entire territory. In the 14th century it was said that the abbot of Poblet could travel throughout the territory of Catalonia always walking by their lands, which is a sample of how religious and earthly power were easily mixed in those times. For years it was the pantheon of the kings of the Crown of Aragon. Until 1835 it was inhabited and after few years abandoned, a community settled again in the 40s of the 20th century.
There, we can point out the walled precinct the cloister, the dorm, the refectory, the abbey church and the royal tombs, mausoleum of the kings of hte Aragon Crown during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, all restored after the damage suffered in the years when the monastery was uninhabited … All this will help us to imagine the hardness of a life here.
After the visit to the monastery, we will move to Montblanc, a walled town, which was converted in the 14th century into a Ducal villa and played an important role in the route linking the cities of Tarragona and Lleida. We will walk through its streets, knowing its walls, old churches, main square and the most famous legend that took place here: the fight of Sant Jordi against the dragon.
After having lunch in a typical restaurant of the shire to know our gastronomy, we will return to Barcelona.
Details:
- Licensed tourist guide authorized by Generalitat de Catalunya during all this tour.
- The approximate duration of this trip is 9 hours (leaving and returning to Barcelona). From other points of origin, please consult us the timing.
- The order of the tour could be conditioned by the opening hours of the monuments.
- Transport: A private vehicle is necessary for the realization of this excursion as we describe it. If you do not have transport avalaible consult us. We can put you into contact with some companies in the city who offer services of vehicles with driver
- Entrances included: Entrance to the Royal Monastery of Poblet.
- Meals are not included in the price of the excursion. Tell us what your preferences are and we will recommend a good restaurant in the area according with them.
Ask for a budget
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