BORN FROM RE-CONQUEST
The re-conquest of Catalonia against the Arabs, was marked by the building of a large number of new castles, villages and monasteries. The foundation of Poblet came about as the same time as the re-conquest of the New Catalonia by Raimond Béranger IV. He approached the abbey of Fontfroide near Narbonne, requesting that an abbey be built on the land donated by him in the Conca di Barbera. His wish was granted in 1153, when a small community of twelve monks came to take up residence, the community expanded, and the monastery acquired vast land areas and jurisdiction over all the villages of the area. The highpoint of its fortunes was reached in the 15th century. The monastery contributing to the economic development of large land areas, it enjoyed the protection of the Aragonese-Catalan monarchs and even became a royal pantheon.
A period of decline followed and subsequent abandonment. Poblet abbey has now been restored and has been inhabited by a community of Cistercian monks since 1940.

A GREAT CISTERCIAN COMPLEX
The abbey of Poblet is one of the largest Cistercian building complexes, which is still in a wonderful state of conservation today. The building complex was built between the 12th and 18th centuries, creating a great diversity of styles which however all blend together wonderfully. The monastery itself is enclosed in a fortified wall which extends for 608 metres. While a second walled structure enclosed the out-buildings. Entry is through the Golden Door, thereby reaching the imposing Plaça Major, which provides a splendid view of the front of the church.
A third walled enclosure, of two km in length surrounded everything necessary for monastic life ; gardens, animal sheds, forges, worker’s houses. The most prestigious building is the grand church of Santa Maria, the building of which began in 1162, and which provides a magnificent example of fine Cistercian art, the beauty and harmonic proportions being particularly breathtaking.
The interior is lavishly decorated and includes a large Renaissance “retablo” (sculpted panel) and the royal mausoleums.
The interior is lavishly decorated and includes a large Renaissance “retablo” (sculpted panel) and the royal mausoleums.
Whilst the entire monastic complex forms a true architectural museum, featuring a gothic cloister with a magnificent lavabo, the refectory and the 12th century “chauffoir”, the kitchens as well as the immense dormitory located above the capitular hall and the 13th century library.

FRESH SPRINGS
The choice of this site by the Cistercians, eight centuries ago, on which to build their monastery was certainly not accidental: located at the foot of the mountains, at the edges of an extensive forest, abounding in fresh springs. The name deriving from the poplar trees to be found there: Poblet coming from the Latin populetum. The landscape is characterized by a serene beauty, which inspired a deep feeling of peace.
Particularly memorable is the entrance to the monastery, through a series of doors and squares, in many differing styles, until we reach the churchyard dominated by a massive lantern tower, perforated with openings like a fine lace