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Spain
Catalonia
Tarragona
Conca De Barbera

L'Espluga De Francolí

Attractions and Places To See around L'Espluga De Francolí - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around L'Espluga De Francolí are found in the Conca de Barberà region of Tarragona, Catalonia. This area is characterized by its deep connection to water, ancient caves, medieval heritage, and a strong winemaking tradition. The landscape includes the Prades Mountains and the Poblet Forest, offering diverse natural features. Visitors can explore historical sites, cultural institutions, and natural monuments that reflect the region's rich past and environment.

Best attractions and places to see around L'Espluga De Francolí

  • The most popular attractions is Tossal de la Baltasana summit, a summit that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From its geodesic vertex, visitors can see the village of Prades and the Montsant mountain range.
  • Another must-see spot is Monastery of Santa María de Vallbona, a religious building and historical site. This female Cistercian abbey, founded in the 11th century, has maintained monastic activity for over 800 years and is part of the Cistercian Route.
  • Visitors also love Royal Monastery of Santa María de Poblet, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1150. This historical site is a significant cultural landmark and also forms part of the Cistercian Route.
  • L'Espluga De Francolí is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and cultural institutions. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient caves to medieval architecture and winemaking heritage.
  • The attractions around L'Espluga De Francolí are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 56 upvotes and 42 photos shared across various highlights.

Last updated: May 10, 2026

Monastery of Santa María de Vallbona

Highlight • Religious Site

The monastery of Santa María de Vallbona is a female Cistercian abbey founded in the 11th century and built in a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Together with the Poblet and Santes Creus monasteries, it forms the Cistercian Route.

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Royal Monastery of Santa María de Poblet

Highlight • Religious Site

Monastery founded in 1150, when the church, the monks' refectory, the Sant Esteve chapel, the infirmary and part of the cloister were built. During the 13th century, the rest of the buildings in the complex were completed, with everything the monks needed for their lives here: chapter house, bedroom, cloister, kitchen, the scriptorium, the hospital for the poor and pilgrims, and the chapel of Santa Caterina. In later centuries the dome and the walls, the pantheon and the other royal constructions were added.

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Old Bridge of Montblanc

Highlight • Bridge

Old medieval bridge that crosses the Francolí River on its way through Montblanc.

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Tossal de la Baltasana summit

Highlight • Summit

El Tossal de la Baltasana, better known as the Tower by the people of Prades. At the top there is a geodesic vertex, a weather vane and also a small lookout hut with signals, repeaters and a web cam/weather station.

From the geodesic vertex, protruding a little from the forest, you will contemplate the views of the surroundings: you will see the village of Prades below and, beyond, the Montsant mountain range. Other peaks in the Tarragona regions can also be seen, such as the Mola de Colldejou or the antennas of the Mussara. In the background, on clear days, you might be able to see the Massif del Port. On the other side, if the sky is clear you can see the Pyrenees, from Puigmal to Mont Perdut.

This peak is on the list of the 100 peaks of the F.E.E.C.

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Deport Spring

Highlight • Natural Monument

It is known that the Poblet forest is rich in springs. Undoubtedly the most well-known and popular are the Boixets fountain and the Deport fountain.

The Sport source is located under the Cingle de les Cabres. From this location, the trail leads up to the La Pena viewpoint.

The place has a lot of charm and in the past the monks had some kind of construction there (remember that the place is very close to the site of the old La Pena farm and currently a forestry house). These constructions were maintained after the exclaustration of the Poblet monastery, when the Pena estate was sold to private individuals and also later (in 1906) when it was expropriated to be reincorporated into the management of the forestry services. Currently, however, we can only find small evidence of those constructions.

The location of the Deport fountain has also had other changes or modifications over the years, and one of these was the location of the fountain itself.

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Tips from the Community

Bttepok
April 9, 2025, Old Bridge of Montblanc

It's always a pleasure to cross this bridge that leads us to the Viñes Pastry Shop along the main street. The Borratxo is incredible, one of the best.

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very pretty town

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Beautiful medieval monastery from the Cistercian era, still inhabited by nuns.

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Ideal place to see the Pyrenees with clear skies, amazing.

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The monastery of Santa María de Vallbona is a female Cistercian abbey founded in the 11th century and built in a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Together with the Poblet and Santes Creus monasteries, it forms the Cistercian Route.

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Medieval bridge (12th century) with four eyes that crosses the channel of the Francolí river. Throughout its history it has undergone numerous reforms due to floods.

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The monastery of Santa María de Vallbona is the most important female Cistercian monastery in Catalonia. It has maintained its monastic activity uninterruptedly for more than 800 years. Its beginnings, at the beginning of the 12th century, were as a mixed group of hermits who followed the Rule of Sant Benet, later converted into monastics, under the pastoral staff of its founder, Ramón de Vallbona. In 1175 the monks moved to Montsant, leaving the female monastic community in Vallbona, which joined the Cistercian order. The monastery is made up of the temple, presided over by the Mare de Déu del cor, in the usual sober and slightly ornamented style of the order, and by the trapezoidal-shaped cloister, and the other dependencies (chapter house, the archive and the old pharmacy).

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A classic that is worth visiting before starting the port of Coll de l'Arena - Prades at 1034 m

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical and cultural sites can I explore in L'Espluga de Francolí?

L'Espluga de Francolí is rich in history. You can visit the fascinating Royal Monastery of Santa María de Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key part of the Cistercian Route. Another significant site is the Monastery of Santa María de Vallbona, a female Cistercian abbey with over 800 years of monastic activity. Don't miss the Old Church of Sant Miquel, a Cistercian Gothic structure from 1297, or the medieval Old Bridge of Montblanc.

Are there any interesting museums in the area?

Yes, L'Espluga de Francolí offers several unique museums. Explore the Fassina Balanyà, a restored 19th-century brandy distillery that showcases traditional spirit production. The Terra Museum / Museum of Rural Life provides insights into Catalan farming, while the Cooperative Winery and Wine Museum, housed in a modernist building, delves into the region's winemaking heritage.

What natural attractions are there to visit around L'Espluga de Francolí?

The region boasts impressive natural features. Discover the ancient Caves of l'Espluga, including the Cova Museu de la Font Major, which offers a journey into prehistoric human life and features a Paleolithic sanctuary. You can also visit the Deport Spring, a charming natural spring under the Cingle de les Cabres, or explore the Poblet Forest, which is ideal for hiking and caving.

Where can I find panoramic views of the landscape?

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Tossal de la Baltasana summit. From its geodesic vertex, you can see the village of Prades and the Montsant mountain range. On clear days, you might even spot the Pyrenees in the distance. The bell tower of the Old Church of Sant Miquel also offers great views of the town.

Are there family-friendly activities available?

Many attractions around L'Espluga de Francolí are suitable for families. The Caves of l'Espluga offer an engaging experience with virtual theater and a recreation of a Neolithic settlement. The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Poblet and the Monastery of Santa María de Vallbona are also listed as family-friendly historical sites. Exploring the natural springs like Deport Spring can also be a pleasant outing for all ages.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The area around L'Espluga de Francolí is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling with routes like the 'Deport Spring – Table of the Four Mayors loop' or 'L'Espluga de Francolí – Font Baixa loop'. For road cycling, consider the 'Coll de la Mola (1010 m) – Main Square of Prades loop'. Mountain biking trails include 'Deport Spring – Pic de l'Àliga loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around L'Espluga De Francolí, Road Cycling Routes around L'Espluga De Francolí, and MTB Trails around L'Espluga De Francolí guides.

Are there hiking trails near the attractions?

Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Poblet Forest, which integrates L'Espluga de Francolí, has trails suitable for various levels. The Deport Spring is a starting point for trails leading to the La Pena viewpoint. The GR-175 route also connects the Ermita de la Santísima Trinidad with the Poblet Monastery, offering scenic walks.

What is the Cistercian Route and which attractions are part of it?

The Cistercian Route is a cultural itinerary connecting three important Cistercian monasteries in Catalonia. The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Poblet and the Monastery of Santa María de Vallbona are both integral parts of this historical route, offering a deep dive into medieval monastic life and architecture.

Can I learn about the region's winemaking tradition?

Absolutely. L'Espluga de Francolí has a strong winemaking tradition. You can visit the Cooperative Winery and Wine Museum, housed in a beautiful modernist building, to learn about the history, cultivation, and production of wine. Local wineries like VidBertus also offer wine tasting experiences.

What is the significance of the Francolí River in the area?

The Francolí River originates at the Font Major in L'Espluga de Francolí. You can visit the source, which includes an old laundry room from 1904 and a fountain from 1864. The river is also spanned by the medieval Old Bridge of Montblanc, highlighting its historical and geographical importance to the region.

What is the best time to visit L'Espluga de Francolí for attractions?

The region is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploring both indoor and outdoor attractions. Summers can be warm, ideal for enjoying natural springs and shaded forest walks, while winters are milder, suitable for cultural site visits.

Are there any unique local events or traditions?

L'Espluga de Francolí hosts the Fira del Carquinyoli, a local fair celebrating the traditional dry almond biscuit. This event offers a taste of local culture and gastronomy, providing a unique experience for visitors.

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