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Monastery · Valls, Catalonia
Royal Monastery of Santes Creus
Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century, about 18 km from Valls, with a Gothic cloister, a church of Romanesque-Gothic transition and the tombs of kings of Aragon. It is part of the Cistercian Route.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Royal Monastery of Santes Creus
The Reial Monestir de Santes Creus was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks on the banks of the Gaià River, in the municipality of Aiguamúrcia. It received the protection of the kings of Aragon and became one of the major monasteries of medieval Catalonia.
The church, begun at the end of the 12th century, reflects Cistercian sobriety and the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. It houses the tombs of Peter III of Aragon and of James II and his wife, Blanche of Anjou, beneath Gothic canopies.
The main cloister is Gothic, from the 14th century, with carved capitals and reliefs. Around it are the chapter house, the monks’ dormitory, and the royal palace, used by kings during their stays at the monastery.
Santes Creus, together with Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges, forms the Cistercian Route. The monastery is managed by the Generalitat heritage agency, and opening hours vary by season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour and a half.
Best time
In the morning, when light pours into the cloister. The monastery closes on some days of the week; check the calendar before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 18 km from Valls via the Gaià valley road. Public transport is limited.
Tip
Combine it with Valls on the same day: the monastery is nearby and a visit fits into a morning.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Royal Monastery of Santes Creus
Where is the monastery of Santes Creus located?
In the municipality of Aiguamúrcia, on the banks of the Gaià River, about 18 km from Valls.
Who is buried in Santes Creus?
Kings Peter III of Aragon and James II, with Queen Blanche of Anjou, in Gothic tombs in the church.
What is the Cistercian Route?
The route that links the Cistercian monasteries of Santes Creus, Poblet, and Vallbona de les Monges, in the interior of Tarragona and Lleida.