Claustro principal.
1 / 10

Santes Creus Monastery

4.6
·5k reviews·Santes Creus, Spain

A remarkably complete 12th-century Cistercian monastery, offering a serene escape and a deep dive into medieval monastic life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Peaceful and uncrowded start

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Claustro principal.

Santes Creus Monastery

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Peaceful and uncrowded start

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remarkably complete 12th-century Cistercian monastery, offering a serene escape and a deep dive into medieval monastic life.

4.6
(5k reviews)

"An absolute insider tip and a must for monastery visitors, beautifully situated and not overcrowded."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎧 Download Audio Guide

Get the free audio guide via QR code for a richer experience. Available in multiple languages!

🚗 Parking Convenience

Parking is free but a short walk away. Plenty of cafes near the lot for a post-visit treat.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Cloister

The Grand Cloister

Monastery Courtyard

Wander through the serene, well-preserved Cistercian cloister, a highlight of the monastery's simple yet profound architecture.

Royal Tombs

Royal Tombs

Church Interior

Marvel at the impressive tombs of Catalan kings, a significant historical feature within the church.

Architectural Simplicity

Architectural Simplicity

Throughout the Monastery

Appreciate the pure Cistercian-style architecture, a testament to its 12th-century origins and monastic heritage.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Enhance Your Visit

Visit early on a Sunday for a peaceful experience with fewer people. Download the audio guide beforehand to truly appreciate the history and architecture, as on-site explanations might be limited or in Catalan.

Logistics & Amenities

Parking is free but a short walk away. While there's no on-site cafe, plenty of options are available near the parking area. Consider a combined ticket if visiting other nearby castles.

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Peaceful and uncrowded start
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, early afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The power of mankind creation 📍Royal Monastery of Santes Creus, Catalonia, Spain The Monastery of Santa Maria de Santes Creus, is a former Cistercian monastery in the municipality of Aiguamúrcia, Catalonia, Spain. The abbey was erected in the 12th century and it is place of the burial of some of the kings and queens of the Aragon Crown🤴🏻👑👸🏼 #Monastery #monasteri #monasterio #SantesCreus #Tarr...
jonathanlego
74 likes • 1.8K views

🎧 Download Audio Guide

Get the free audio guide via QR code for a richer experience. Available in multiple languages! Reddit

🚗 Parking Convenience

Parking is free but a short walk away. Plenty of cafes near the lot for a post-visit treat. Reddit

Pastís de formatge🍰🧀🤤 #cheesecake #pastísdeformatge #food #foodporn #foodstagram #hostalgrau😍 #hostalgrausantescreus #tradició #familia #santescreusmonastery
hostalgraurestaurant
67 likes • 1.8K views
Retomando proyectos atrasados. En este caso se trata de la nueva visita del proyecto Catalunya Monumental, donde viajamos al monasterio cisterciense de Santes Creus! A ver si pronto podemos sacarlo para que podáis disfrutarlo! #cultura #patrimonio #arqueología #Cister #monastery #patrimoniocultural #360 #virtualtour
virtualpast3d
33 likes • 379 views

🎟️ Combined Tickets

Consider a combined ticket if you plan to visit other castles in the region. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Freely

The site is huge and well-preserved, allowing for extensive exploration of its many buildings. Reddit

This year's @festivaljordisavall has been announced, with events taking place from August 12th-18th, at venues including the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus and the Royal Monastery of Poblet! To learn more, visit the link in bio.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ @jordisavall
allianceartistmanagement
6 likes • 124 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎧 Download Audio Guide

Get the free audio guide via QR code for a richer experience. Available in multiple languages! Reddit

🚗 Parking Convenience

Parking is free but a short walk away. Plenty of cafes near the lot for a post-visit treat. Reddit

🎟️ Combined Tickets

Consider a combined ticket if you plan to visit other castles in the region. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Freely

The site is huge and well-preserved, allowing for extensive exploration of its many buildings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Santes Creus Monastery for its peaceful atmosphere, remarkable state of preservation, and impressive Cistercian architecture. The audio guide is highly recommended for bringing the history to life. Some note the parking is a walk away and on-site amenities are limited.

"Lovely, peaceful monastery to wander around. Coming from the uk, it’s really nice to see a Cistercian monastery that is complete! Recommend the audio tour that you can download onto your phone, it really brings it to life"

adam clifton

"Santes Creus is an absolute insider tip and a must for monastery visitors, although it is currently being restored but is still beautifully situated in the countryside and not overcrowded and has super German audio explanations"

Michael Kern

"One of the three mains castles in the area. Can buy combined ticket. Parking is a bit far away, but free. Huge site, cloister, many buildings preserved, film with explanations every hour. Mostly in Catalan though. The audio guide is free with qr from you phone en/fr/es/ca
Many sculptures, church has thombs of kings. Well preserved. Great visit, esp for kids.
No cafe of site, but there are plenty on the way to parking"

Irena S

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Well-preserved architecture
Excellent audio guide

What People Dislike

Limited on-site amenities
Parking walk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santes Creus Monastery is best reached by car. There is free parking available, though it requires a short walk to the monastery itself. Public transport options are limited in this rural area, so driving is highly recommended for ease of access. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available for visitors. It's located a short distance from the monastery entrance, so be prepared for a brief walk. Reddit

Visiting without a car can be challenging due to its rural location. While possible with careful planning involving local buses or taxis, it's significantly more convenient to visit by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are reasonable, and a combined ticket option is available if you plan to visit other historical sites in the area. Check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular visiting times like Sunday mornings, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Santes Creus Monastery website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. Reddit

Yes, an audio guide is available and often free with your ticket, accessible via QR code on your phone. It provides explanations in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish. Reddit

Look into combined ticket options if you're visiting multiple sites. Specific discounts for students, seniors, or groups may also be available; inquire directly or check their website. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the impressive cloister, the church with royal tombs, and various preserved monastic buildings. The site is large and offers a glimpse into Cistercian life. Reddit

Yes, the vast site and historical elements can be engaging for children. The audio guide can also help bring the history to life for younger visitors. Reddit

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the monastery complex and listen to the audio guide. You might spend longer if you wish to soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

While the main areas are generally accessible, some older parts of historical sites can present challenges. It's advisable to contact the monastery directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, the excellent audio guide available via QR code serves as a comprehensive self-guided tour, bringing the history to life. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is no cafe or restaurant directly on the monastery site. However, you'll find plenty of dining options in the parking area and along the route to the monastery. Reddit

Picnicking might be possible in designated outdoor areas, but it's best to check the monastery's specific rules regarding outside food and drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially inside the church or sensitive historical areas. Reddit

The cloister offers beautiful architectural shots, and the church interior with the royal tombs is also a striking subject. The surrounding countryside provides a picturesque backdrop. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Santes Creus Monastery offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The sheer size of the complex and the presence of royal tombs can spark children's imaginations. The well-preserved architecture provides a tangible connection to history, making it more than just a dry lesson. Encourage kids to listen to the audio guide, which can make the stories of the past more exciting. Reddit

Remember to bring comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds, and consider packing snacks and drinks as there are no facilities on-site. The free parking, though a short walk, is convenient for families loading and unloading. Visiting on a Sunday morning can offer a more relaxed pace, allowing children to explore without feeling rushed. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, Santes Creus Monastery is a treasure trove. Its completeness as a Cistercian complex is rare, offering an unparalleled opportunity to study the order's architectural principles. Pay close attention to the simplicity and functionality of the cloister, the chapter house, and the refectory. The royal tombs within the church are also significant historical artifacts, showcasing medieval funerary art and the monastery's royal connections. Reddit

Take advantage of the detailed audio guide to gain deeper insights into the historical context, the lives of the monks, and the architectural evolution of the site. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow for unhurried contemplation and detailed observation of the intricate stonework and layout. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cistercian Legacy

Santes Creus Monastery is a remarkable example of Cistercian architecture, dating back to its founding in the 12th century. The order's emphasis on simplicity, austerity, and functional design is evident throughout the complex. Unlike many other monasteries that have been heavily altered over centuries, Santes Creus remains remarkably complete, offering a genuine glimpse into the monastic life of the period. Its preservation allows visitors to appreciate the original architectural intentions without significant modern intrusions. Reddit

Key features that highlight this legacy include the unadorned beauty of the cloister and the spacious, well-lit church. The austere elegance of the stonework and the harmonious proportions of the buildings speak to the Cistercian ideal of creating spaces that inspire contemplation and devotion. The monastery's historical significance is further amplified by the presence of the tombs of Catalan royalty, adding a layer of royal patronage to its spiritual importance. Reddit

Enhancing Your Visit with the Audio Guide

Many visitors highly recommend utilizing the audio guide to fully appreciate Santes Creus Monastery. This free resource, often accessible via a QR code, brings the history and architectural details to life, transforming a simple walk-through into an immersive historical experience. The guide provides context for the various structures, explains the significance of the royal tombs, and details the daily life of the Cistercian monks. Reddit

Travelers have noted that the audio explanations are available in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. This is particularly helpful as some on-site information might be primarily in Catalan. Downloading the guide beforehand ensures you have it ready upon arrival, allowing you to delve into the monastery's past without delay. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2