Monasterio de Poblet

N 240 turns west away from Montblanch, passing the little spa of Espluga de Francolí, off the road on the left. From here a detour can be made to the monastery of Santa María de Poblet, 3km/2mi southwest. This Cistercian house was founded in 1151 by Ramón Berenguer IV and was completed in all essentials by the end of the 14th century. It was partly destroyed in the early 19th century, but was reoccupied by Cistercian monks in 1940. Famed as the burial-place of the Aragonese kings, it is still highly impressive. The whole complex, including various associated buildings as well as the conventual buildings proper, is surrounded by a protective wall. Within the outer gate and the inner "Golden Gate" (Catalan Porta Daurada) are the hospital (to left) and the hospice (to right). Beyond this is an open court, dominated by the Baroque facade of the church.