Monastery of Poblet

Monastery of Poblet is a unique example of the middle ages architecture. The complex was in the one moment the abbey, the fortress and the royal palace. Later the Monastery of Poblet was converted to the pantheon of the royal dynasty of the Aragon kingdom.

Located the Monastery of Poblet in the Spain, not far from the city of Tarragona. (the distance is about 20 kilometers). A monastery situated in the wonderful place in the surrounding of the vineyards.  Also near the monastery start few mountain routes so if you like walking you can enjoy this activity during your visit of Poblet.

Monastery of Poblet recently was restored (it was demolished in the middle of the 19 century)  and now Poblet has very good conditions. I personally was impressed by the inner courtyard of the monastery with small garden and beautiful fountain. The main church of the monastery is breathtaking too with its 14’s century altar and the lines of royal tombs.

I can mention only one lack of the monastery. You can pass inside the monastery only with excursion. It’s not the problem but the problem that the excursions only in Spanish or catalan languages.

The King’s Gate of Poblet

The main entrance to Poblet is the King’s Gate. It’s a significant example of fortifications of 16 century. Over the main arch you can see the Catalonian kings’ coat of arms which is supported by angels and lions. Near the king’s insignia you can read the king’s motto which claims that this building was built during the king Pedro of Aragon reign.

The flawless stonework, façade, loopholes turn this gate into the magnificent example of military architecture.

The Courtyard of Poblet

The nice gate in the Romanic style leads to the Courtyard of Poblet. The kluatr of Poblet is the yard with portico and with the beautiful garden in the center. The oldest galleria was built in the 12 century. Others were built a century after. Also in the middle of the yard you can see the magnificent fountain which as a gallerias belongs to the Romanic style.

The main church of Poblet

The main church of Poblet was built keeping up the canonical traditions. It has three naves which separated one from another by columns. Two from three naves belong to the Romanic style and one to the Gothic style. The main altar of the church is a stone slab which was placed here from the monastery beginning.

The main church of Poblet is the royal shrine of Catalonian kings. Here, for example, there is the sarcophagus of famous Pedro Conqueror who enlarged the Catalonia to the maximum borders.