The Cistercian Route, 105 kilometers to do this fall on foot or by bike
A circular tour in which the traveler can visit three of the most important medieval Cistercian monasteries in Spain
In autumn, when temperatures are still warm, it is a good time to do the Cistercian Route, which runs through the Catalan regions of Alt Camp, Conca de Barberà and Urgell. The itinerary links three medieval Cistercian monasteries, three exceptional monumental complexes that house exhibitions, royal and noble tombs and maintain their religious communities, so their visits allow you to discover what monastic life is like in the 21st century.
The monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet , on the Costa Dorada, is one of the largest in Europe and has been declared a World Heritage Site; The monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona , popularly known as Vallbona de les Monges, in Terres de Lleida, has been uninterrupted for 800 years of female monastic life and the monastery of Santes Creus , also on the Costa Dorada, hosted the first Cistercian community in Catalonia.
Circular route with 14 accommodations
The 105 kilometer circular route can be covered on foot, as it forms the GR 175 and is quite flat, by bicycle or on horseback. It has 14 accommodations distributed throughout the route that comply with sanitary measures since they have made improvements to serve cyclists or adapt to the hours of walkers.
The path is fully signposted in both directions of the journey with the characteristic white and red GR (Long Distance Path) markings, with well-identified directional poles that also include information on the site, the height and the connection with other trails. GR and PR of the network. It also has the necessary infrastructure: walkways, railings, stairs, etc. to make the walk more comfortable and safe.
A route with a 6T Card
The Cistercian Route offers the possibility of different experiences such as participating in the vespers prayer listening to the singing of the monks of Poblet , after having made a magnificent excursion through the Prades mountains and the Poblet Natural Area of National Interest and, the next day, once you arrive in Vallbona de les Monges, having crossed the Conca de Barberà vineyards and the Urgell fields, participate in the prayers of the nuns and let yourself be enveloped by their songs, or else walk through the rugged hill of the Cogulló and the flat lands of Alt Camp until reaching Santes Creus and strolling quietly through the monastery, enjoying all the corners, and being able to listen to the medieval legends that the guides tell.
There is a 6T Card, which must be stamped six times to obtain the certificate of having completed the route and a single ticket at the price of 15 euros, which gives access to the three monasteries and represents a discount of 6.5 euros on the price of sale of the three tickets separately.
The route starts and ends in the town of Montblanc , which has an interesting monumental and artistic complex and passes through places of great natural beauty. There are also other interesting itinerary options in the area.
