The Cistercian Route, a genuine combination of nature, heritage and landscape

The Cistercian Route is a fascinating journey that takes you back to medieval times through three historic monasteries in Catalonia: the Poblet Monastery, the Santes Creus Monastery and the Vallbona de les Monges Monastery. With a tour through idyllic landscapes, you will discover the majestic monasteries that are witnesses of the architectural and religious legacy of the time. Each monastery hides secrets and legends from the past, which will transport you to a distant and magical time:

Poblet Monastery

Located in the Cuenca de Barberà region, it is a jewel of Cistercian architecture. With more than eight centuries of history, this monastery is a testimony of religious devotion and monastic dedication. With its elegant cloisters and impressive Gothic church, Poblet offers a unique experience, captivating visitors with its majesty and serene atmosphere.

The Monastery of Santes Creus

Located in the Conca de Barberà, it is a medieval beauty that transports us to a distant past. With its quiet cloisters and Gothic arcades, the monastery captivates with its sober and elegant architecture. A place of history and spirituality that invites contemplation and the discovery of its cultural richness.

The Monastery of Vallbona de les Monges

Located in the Lands of Lleida, it is a remedy for the soul. With its stone walls and its rural setting, the monastery exudes a special peace. The Cistercian nuns who live there keep tradition and spiritual life alive in this holy place. A visit to Vallbona de les Monges is like a trip to a world of silence and seclusion.

Along more than 100 kilometers of circular route following the GR 175, as it passes through Alt Camp, Conca de Barberà and Urgell, the Cistercian Route awaits us to show us all its charms. Thanks to an exceptional combination of landscape, heritage and nature, the route offers us experiences as unique and genuine as listening to the singing of the monks of the Poblet monastery or participating in the prayers of the nuns of Vallbona.

The Cistercian Route is a journey back in time, an enriching experience for lovers of history and culture, and an opportunity to connect with our deepest essence in a serene and inspiring environment.

From femturisme.cat we encourage you to discover the beauty of this historic route in southern Catalonia.

Cistercian route on foot or by bicycle

The Cistercian Route can be done both on foot and by bicycle. For lovers of long walks we suggest the Cistercian Route (GR175) on foot or by bicycle. It has a total length of approximately 105 km, and is perfectly signposted with the GR, white and red marks.

As it is a circular route, it can be started from any point on the route. If you want to complete the entire itinerary, we recommend planning the stages in several days to enjoy the most, having the necessary time in each space. You can also do simple and independent sections suitable for the whole family and combined with activities of all kinds: wine tourism, visiting the small wineries and wine cooperatives of Conca de Barberà, artisan workshops in the area, Poblet ceramics, etc.

We can divide it into three stages, from monastery to monastery.

• Santes Creus – Poblet: 35.3 km and 7 and a half hours
• Poblet - Vallbona de les Monges: 23.55 km and 5 hours and a quarter
• Vallbona de les Monges - Santes Creus: 45.3 km and 9 and a half hours

This walk allows us to know in detail the terrain where the most important Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia are built. If we go with time, we can visit some of the nearby towns that we have mentioned, as well as the Monasteries and the natural landscapes that surround them. A highly recommended option.

You will find more information about the Cistercian Route at www.larutadelcister.info.