13 - THE CISTERCIAN ROUTE GR-175 (5 DAYS)

Day 1. Montblanc – Poblet

Did you know that Montblanc is the origin of the legend of Saint George? No? Then before setting off, how about strolling among knights, princesses and dragons along the wall-walk of the ramparts? Oh, and since you are in the capital of the Conca de Barberà, take the chance to stock up on local sweet treats, merlets, vanos, carquinyolis, flautins or the typical orelletes, to sweeten the way and regain your strength! When you reach Poblet, the end of this first stage, you simply must visit the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet and its museum space, and recover from this first day at the restaurant of the Hostatgeria, where you can enjoy a fine food and wine experience.

Distance: 11.5 km
Elevation: +590 m -430 m
Duration (approx.): 3 h 40 min (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): intermediate level - blue

Route link on Wikiloc: https://ca.wikiloc.com/rutes-senderisme/rutestop-t03-1-la-ruta-del-cister-120271319

Day 2. Poblet – Vallbona

The second day of the route begins with a pleasant stroll among vineyards and almond trees, leaving behind the walled enclosure of Poblet Monastery. Start early, and we recommend it because the crossing to Vallbona de les Monges takes about six and a half hours; once in L'Espluga de Francolí, don't miss the Espluga Caves! You will step into a time tunnel and discover a doorway to the prehistoric past and a Palaeolithic sanctuary more than 37,000 years old! In Vallbona, in the Urgell region (Lleida), you must visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona, the most important women's monastery on the Cistercian Route in Catalonia.

Distance: 34 km
Elevation: +730 m -640 m
Duration (approx.): 11 h (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): expert level - black

Route link on Wikiloc: https://ca.wikiloc.com/rutes-senderisme/rutestop-t03-2-la-ruta-del-cister-120271349

Day 3. Vallbona – Vallverd

The route from Vallbona to Vallverd is a gift for the senses. The path is a long crossing of the Tallat mountain, where, to begin with, we recommend a stop at the Sanctuary of El Tallat. Then you reach Rocallaura, known for its Rocallaura Water, which flows from carbonated, calcium-lithium and highly diuretic springs and is credited with properties to eliminate kidney stones and urea in the blood and to relieve psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Belltall, meanwhile, stands out for its church of Sant Pere, Neoclassical in style, with a bell tower on a square base and an octagonal top that is an example of Catalan Baroque architecture. Forès is an immense lookout and is popularly known as the balcony of the Conca de Barberà, for the spectacular views from the Plaça del Mirador. Did you know that Forès was a royal town and had a seat in the Catalan Courts until 1390? Once in Rocafort de Queralt, the end of the stage, sharpen your senses and you will notice that the village smells of saffron and medieval remains. The town's architecture also combines elements with a Modernista flavour, such as the Modernista winery, the work of Cèsar Martinell, a pupil of Antoni Gaudí; and colonial architecture, such as Cal Claret, a mansion that reproduces the stylistic sumptuousness of the "indiano" houses built by returning emigrants.

Distance: 18.5 km
Elevation: +450 m -400 m
Duration (approx.): 5 h 50 min (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): advanced level - red

Route link on Wikiloc: https://ca.wikiloc.com/rutes-senderisme/rutestop-t03-3-la-ruta-del-cister-120271381

Day 4. Vallverd – Santes Creus

The fourth day of the route sets off from Vallverd, climbs to the summit of El Cogulló, where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views, and descends to Pont d'Armentera, where the Parish Church of Santa Magdalena has its magnificent Baroque altarpiece (1702) in polychrome and gilded wood, one of the sculptural jewels of the region. By the way, did you know that Pont d'Armentera preserves the Roman aqueduct that carried water to Tarraco? The end of the stage is a welcome one, a very welcome one: Santes Creus, with its majestic Royal Monastery of Santes Creus, one of the jewels of the Cistercian order. Would you like to take part in the activity "A Path of Legends" and visit the monastery accompanied by a monk? Also, don't forget that Santes Creus has a large and excellent range of places to eat, and after so many days on the trail... Yum!

Distance: 24.5 km
Elevation: +490 m -800 m
Duration (approx.): 8 h (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): expert level - black

Route link on Wikiloc: https://ca.wikiloc.com/rutes-senderisme/rutestop-t03-4-la-ruta-del-cister-120271391

Day 5. Santes Creus – Montblanc

The last leg of the Cistercian Route leaves Santes Creus to return to the medieval Ducal Town of Montblanc. From the moment you leave the monastery until you reach the Pla de Santa Maria, you will be amazed by the succession of dry-stone huts dotting the path, which make up the impressive and photogenic Capona Route. If you like adventure, at the Pla de Santa Maria, in the Parc de la Fàbrica, a former industrial complex carefully landscaped and equipped, you can go boating and try sports such as archery or outdoor orienteering activities to learn how to use maps and compasses! Setting off again towards Montblanc, you will climb the spectacular Serra d'en Jordà, with its spectacular views. And once in the Ducal Town, time to recover after so many kilometres in your legs! Enjoy the route! Enjoy the journey!

Distance: 25 km
Elevation: +590 m -550 m
Duration (approx.): 8 h (walking time)
Difficulty level (colour): expert level - black

Route link on Wikiloc: https://ca.wikiloc.com/rutes-senderisme/rutestop-t03-5-la-ruta-del-cister-120271423