Santes Creus Monastery

Entering Santes Creus is to step into a reality that remains hidden, one which we must all uncover: the power of serenity. Every corner, floor, stone, and tree is a relic of this place’s golden past. It once had life! Monastical, yes, but life nonetheless.

These days, Santes Creus is empty and uninhabited, filled with a yearning for days gone by. When we entered, a strong wind blew, bending the cypresses as if in reverence and thanks for our visit.

This is one of the three monasteries featured on the Cistercian Route and is only one that is currently uninhabited. The visit isn’t guided but you can learn about the history with an audiovisual exhibit which plays more or less every 15 minutes. For me, this was a plus because I could visit and enjoy the monastery at my leisure. I had time to jot down notes in my journal, make some sketches, and take some photos. There was always someone around to help me out with my doubts and even give me some interesting information. I’m not sure how long I spent inside, only that the monastery is a beautiful place full of history and art.

One Sunday, with nothing to do, we went to visit the Monastery of Santes Creus, in the town of Aiguamurcia. There were quite a few cars parked so we were parked a little far. After a short walk and passing through two gates, we arrived at the square where there was a market. The view was promising and setting was very nice. We entered the monastery through a souvenir shop that sold the tickets. It was 4.50 euros per person and once inside we were free to wander. It was really impressive and is quite well preserved, so it was not hard to imagine what life was like in this place. A thousand and one details caught our attention, from the capitals, to gothic arches, tombs, the dungeon.

Santes Creus is at once a church, a small region, and a village on the Gaià River. Among its many charms, there’s a wonderful place to eat and spend the day under the shade of the trees which line the river. There’s plenty of flora and fauna about and it’s a truly bucolic environment to get back to nature.

In my humble opinion it is one of the most beautiful monasteries that I've visited so far. This monastery belongs to the Cistercian order. Well worth a visit.