Aiguamúrcia: Monastic Heritage, Nature and Trails

Aiguamúrcia is a small village on the banks of the Gaià; today’s town centre grew around medieval buildings by the river. You can choose from different themes for your stay: monastic history, architecture, landscape, hiking or event dates. These themes also offer different points of reference for planning your trip and choosing when to visit.

Monastery, Townscape and Architecture

The Reial Monestir de Santes Creus was founded on the Gaià River in 1160. Until 1835, it was the centre of an influential monastic lordship. Its 14th-century cloister is considered the first Gothic cloister in the Crown of Aragon. Its founding, historical significance and architecture thus offer different ways into the monastery’s history.

The cooperative winery in Aiguamúrcia is also part of the local architectural heritage: the Modernist building was designed by architect Cèsar Martinell. The Romanesque castle of L’Albà in Aiguamúrcia is designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Those interested in historic buildings will therefore find a range of building types and periods here—from the medieval town centre and Gothic cloister to Modernist architecture.

Landscape and Rural Heritage

The Albereda de Santes Creus is a twelve-hectare natural area designated as a site of special natural interest. Two monumental cypress trees stand at the Palau de l’Abat in Santes Creus. These details add named natural sites and individual landmark trees to the picture of the region.

Les Planes is a high plateau on the banks of the Gaià between Alió, Vila-rodona, Aiguamúrcia, El Pont d’Armentera and Pla de Santa Maria. It has a high concentration of dry-stone structures. This description covers several places; Les Planes should therefore be understood as a broader landscape and heritage area. The abandoned village of Selma is also notable for its historically valuable remains.

Hiking Trails and Specific Destinations

Aiguamúrcia has a public network of trails spanning more than 200 kilometres. Hiking trails pass through villages, farmsteads and castles in the municipality. This allows you to experience the countryside from different perspectives, while the destinations mentioned give an idea of the trails without specifying a particular walking time.

One specific destination is the Sant Miquel chapel: a forest track leads there from the small settlement of Pla de Manlleu. Sant Miquel del Pla de Manlleu is a small Romanesque chapel designated a Local Cultural Asset of Special Interest. If you plan to take this trail, check the current trail conditions before setting out.

The GR175, the Ruta del Cister, also passes through Santes Creus: there is a checkpoint in front of the former Pere-el-Gran hostel. If you are planning a stage of the route, it is advisable to check the latest information about the route and checkpoint.

Wine, Food and Event Dates

VITIS Aiguamúrcia is a recurring food-and-wine event. The fourth edition, held in 2024, included a tasting fair featuring wines, cavas, cheeses, cured meats, and carob and nut products. The programme thus brings together wine and other regional foods in a specific event setting.

Other events offer different highlights throughout the year. The Mostra de gastronomia i vins d’alçada takes place in Pla de Manlleu on a Saturday afternoon in July. The Aplec de Sant Miquel is held at the Sant Miquel hermitage in Pla de Manlleu on a Sunday in May. The comparison provides a guide to when they take place: the food event mentioned is in July, while the Aplec is in May. Check the specific event dates before planning your visit around them.

Plan Your Visit

The Santes Creus tourist office takes reservations and provides information about attractions in the Alt Camp region and along the Ruta del Cister. As opening hours may change, check them before visiting. This allows you to include the history of the monastery and town, the landscape, hiking trails and events in your travel plans according to your interests.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Santes Creus, Les Pobles, El Pla De Manlleu, Valls, Bonastre, Roquetes, Bràfim, Riudecols.

For the wider travel overview: Tarragona.