Cloister of Poblet, Medieval cloister at Poblet Monastery in Catalonia, Spain
The Cloister of Poblet is a Gothic structure with vaulted galleries surrounding a central garden, featuring a hexagonal washbasin from the 13th century. The covered passages connect to different parts of the monastery and show the typical layout of medieval religious communities.
Construction took place between 1163 and 1313, replacing an earlier Romanesque building. During this period, the monastery served as the burial place for Aragonese kings and was a major religious and political center.
The carved capitals throughout this space show biblical stories and local plant life, reflecting the Gothic artistic traditions of Catalonia. Monks used these carvings as visual teaching tools during daily life.
Entry is through guided tours offered throughout the day in multiple languages. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk through several levels and across stone surfaces.
The hexagonal lavatorium is a preserved medieval washbasin where monks performed ritual hand washing before meals. This feature reveals practical details of daily monastic life and religious customs that shaped the rhythm of the community.
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