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Santes Creus Monastery

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Santes Creus Monastery (Spain)

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The Monastery of Santes Creus in the province of Tarragona is one of Spain's most significant Cistercian monasteries and forms part of the Cistercian Route alongside Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges. Founded in 1158 under the patronage of the Moncada noble family and the Count of Barcelona, it became a favored site for the Catalan-Aragonese royalty during the 13th and 14th centuries. The architecture is a superb example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic, particularly evident in the austere church and the magnificent Gothic cloister. Inside, the monastery houses the royal tombs of Peter III of Aragon and James II, as well as his consort Blanche of Anjou, resting in elaborately decorated sarcophagi. Although monastic life ended in 1835 following secularization, the complex remained remarkably well-preserved. Today, visitors can tour the monks' dormitory, the refectory, and the chapter house, which provide deep insight into the ascetic lifestyle of the Cistercian order.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C671013172225242016106
Rain mm312640514626243153625228

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Santes Creus Monastery is fully accessible, including the church, cloister, and royal pantheon. The Gothic spaces are impressive and open to visitors.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are seasonal, typically from 10:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Mondays and holidays may see closures.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, without flash in the church and crypt. A permit is required for commercial shots.
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Time needed
Allow about 1.5 hours to tour the entire monastery. Art and history enthusiasts may linger longer.
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Combine with
The monastery is near Tarragona, which has Roman ruins and a beautiful old town. The Penedès wine region is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
By car, reach the monastery via the AP-2 motorway, exit 9, then follow signs. Paid parking is available.
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Insider tip
Visit the royal pantheon where the monarchs of Aragon rest - a rare experience. An audio guide helps understand the Cistercian history.

Geography

Coordinates
41.34670, 1.33860

Facts

  • The monastery was founded on March 12, 1158.
  • The royal tombs are the only ones of their kind that have never been looted.
  • The Gothic cloister was built by order of King James II in 1313.
  • The monks' dormitory is a vast 12th-century hall featuring pointed arches.
  • The monastery was declared a National Monument in 1921.
  • The church facade features a stunning Gothic rose window.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

VallsValls10 km · SWExplore →
el Racó del Cèsarel Racó del Cèsar21 km · SExplore →
Catalan Coastal RangeCatalan Coastal Range22 km · NEExplore →
Monastery of PobletMonastery of Poblet22 km · WExplore →
El VendrellEl Vendrell22 km · SEExplore →
Costa DauradaCosta Daurada23 km · SEExplore →
TorredembarraTorredembarra23 km · SExplore →
AltafullaAltafulla23 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Santes Creus Monastery (5)

Barraca de la Capona🏺 historical

A traditional dry stone hut near Santes Creus, part of a historical route.

Barraca de l'Augé🏺 historical

An example of rural dry stone architecture in the Catalonia region.

barraca 966🏺 historical

A numbered dry stone hut showcasing the historical agricultural use of the area.

Piscina municipal🎡 recreation

A municipal public swimming pool located near the Santes Creus Monastery.

Zona Esportiva Plana del Molí🎡 recreation

A sports area featuring a public swimming pool near the Santes Creus Monastery.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which order did the monastery belong to?
It was an important Cistercian monastery.
Which kings are buried here?
Peter III of Aragon and James II of Aragon have their magnificent tombs here.
What is the architectural highlight?
The 14th-century Gothic cloister is a particularly noteworthy sight.
When was the monastery abandoned?
The monks abandoned the monastery in 1835 due to the Mendizábal confiscation.
Are there audioguides?
Yes, audioguides are available in several languages.
Santes Creus Monastery: where is it located?
Santes Creus Monastery is located in Galicia, Spain.
Santes Creus Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Barraca de la Capona, Barraca de l'Augé, barraca 966.
Santes Creus Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Santes Creus Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
The Monastery of Santes Creus in the province of Tarragona is one of Spain's most significant Cistercian monasteries and forms part of the Cistercian Route alongside Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges.
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