The Reial Monestir de Santes Creus is a clear focus of cultural history. Founded in 1160, it is distinguished by its Gothic cloister and royal tombs, giving it a distinctive architectural and historical character. This is complemented by the Albereda de Santes Creus and La Ruta del Cister, GR175: landscape and hiking or cycling offer further themes to consider when planning a trip.
Monastery, Architecture and History
The Reial Monestir was founded in 1160 under the patronage of the Montcada and CervellĂł lineages and Count Ramon Berenguer IV. Its cloister was the first built in the Gothic style in the Crown of Aragon. This architectural distinction gives the building a specific place in the history of the region.
The church of the Reial Monestir houses the royal tombs of Pere el Gran, Jaume II and Blanca d’Anjou, as well as the tomb of Admiral Roger de Llúria. Alongside the monastery’s architecture, the rulers and notable figures associated with the site are therefore a central focus of historical interest.
Other buildings point to different connections between the monastery and the surrounding communities. Santa Llúcia was the parish church of the residents of Aiguamúrcia and Les Pobles, who worked as day labourers on the monastery’s lands. The building is currently out of use. The Celler cooperatiu in Santes Creus, meanwhile, was designed by the Modernist architect Cèsar Martinell.
The Albereda and Access to Santes Creus
The Albereda de Santes Creus has been designated an Area of Natural Interest by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It is also the only forest of its kind in all of Catalonia, classified as a riparian or riverside forest. This provides a clearly defined landscape focus alongside the monastery’s history.
The stone bridge over the Gaià River is also part of the history of the area and the route into Santes Creus: it takes you into the town from the Tarragona–Pont d’Armentera road. Abbot Valls had the bridge built in 1549. The structure thus connects a specific access route with a recorded construction date and a named patron.
La Ruta del Cister and Practical Information
La Ruta del Cister, GR175, is a hiking and cycling route. The 6T card is its passport. A stamping point for the route is located in Santes Creus, on the façade of the former Pere el Gran hostel. The reference to the former hostel describes the location of the stamping point, not a current accommodation option.
Those who complete the route on foot or by mountain bike can apply for an electronic certificate using their completed 6T card. The certificate confirms that they have completed the route. The distinction is practical: the card serves as a passport, while the certificate can be requested after completing the route and submitting the filled-in card.
The Oficina Comarcal de Turisme de Santes Creus is located at the entrance to the Reial Monestir. It makes reservations and provides information about attractions in Alt Camp and along La Ruta del CĂster. Its information service therefore covers both Santes Creus and destinations in the surrounding region.
Discover more destinations: El Pla De Manlleu, Les Pobles.
Go to the main travel overview: AiguamĂşrcia.
