The cathedrals and monasteries of Catalonia have played a fundamental role both historically and in the spiritual and religious realms. Today, they are still highly relevant from these perspectives, but also as monumental elements and top-tier tourist attractions. Traveling through the territory to discover them is the best way to deeply understand the past of these lands and their culture. Here is a selection of some of the most representative monasteries and cathedrals of Catalonia, which should not be missing from any list of monuments to visit. Monastery of Montserrat Many would say that the heart and soul of Catalonia are found at the Montserrat Mountain. Perched in a magical natural landscape of needles and rounded rock formations, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is dedicated to the Moreneta, patron saint of Catalonia. The Monastery of Montserrat is a cultural and spiritual symbol, as well as an active religious pilgrimage center, housing about eighty monks. The basilica, from the 16th century, features a large central nave with rounded Gothic arches and six chapels on each side. The complex includes several other facilities, such as the neo-Romanesque cloister by Puig Cadafalch, the Gothic hall, and the building of the Escolania, a boys' choir that is the oldest musical institution in Europe. Beyond the temple and other buildings, you can complete your visit with an excursion around the area, browsing the market stalls and enjoying the panoramic views from the heights. Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes Located within the Cap de Creus Natural Park, overlooking the Costa Brava from the watchtower of the Rodes mountain range, the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes was a Benedictine abbey documented since the 9th century. The 11th-century church with its bell tower is the most important element of a complex that also includes the monastic cells, the dining hall, and other facilities organized around the cloister. You can visit this remarkable example of native Catalan Romanesque architecture on your own or with a guided tour. Do not forget to reserve some time to enjoy the exceptional views it offers. Monastery of Poblet The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet is a historical and architectural gem, as well as the most representative of the Route of the Royal Monasteries of Catalonia. Founded in 1192, its current appearance dates from the 14th century, and the facilities still house a monastic community of about thirty monks. The large complex, protected by walls and gates, is surrounded by vineyards and forests at the foot of the Prades Mountains. Highlights include the church, the Gothic cloister, the chapter house, and the refectory, although its value goes beyond the architectural. The monastery preserves valuable sacred art in the museum located in the so-called Royal Palace; an exceptional documentary archive in the library, which includes the Tarradellas Archive. Moreover, as a royal pantheon, it is the burial place of the Counts of Barcelona, Alfons the Chaste, James I, Peter the Ceremonious, and Martin the Human. Monastery of Santes Creus The Royal Monastery of Santes Creus is a kind of monumental catalog of the various architectural styles prevalent from its foundation in the 12th century until it was completely abandoned in 1835. Rehabilitated as a cultural space, it now displays everything from the Romanesque façade, with a spectacular Gothic stained glass window, to the Baroque altarpieces inside. Being the only monastery on the Route of the Royal Monasteries of Catalonia that is currently uninhabited gives a lot of freedom in the design of the tours. You can explore rooms like the kitchen, the refectory, the cellar, or the scriptorium, as well as the cloisters and the church. Within the church, the tombs of the kings Peter the Great and James II, and Blanca of Anjou are preserved. Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona Located at the foot of the Tallat mountains in the region of Urgell, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona is the most important feminine Cistercian abbey in Catalonia. Architecturally it is more austere and simple than the other examples on the Route of the Royal Monasteries of Catalonia, but it played an important role in history. It was founded in the 12th century and, since the 13th century, has had a monastic school where daughters of the nobility were educated. It hosted figures such as Alfonso the Chaste and Queen Sancho, James I, and Alfonso the Wise. Inside the church, the tomb of Queen Violant of Hungary, wife of James I, is preserved. Among the various spaces, the octagonal bell tower, the chapter house, and the cloister, which features elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, stand out. Within the premises, there is a guest house, where you can spend a few days of reflection and tranquility. Barcelona Cathedral The Cathedral of Barcelona is a large Gothic building, built between the 12th and 15th centuries, with a highly ornate neo-Gothic façade from the 19th century. This is the monumental view enjoyed from the plaza de la Seu, separated by a flight of stairs. It is dedicated to the Holy Cross and to Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of the city, who is buried here. Inside, the chapels of the Christ of Lepanto and Saint Lucia, Romanesque, as well as the crypt of Saint Eulalia and the door of Saint Ivo, which provides access to the cloister, are highlights. If you enter during the celebration of Corpus Christi, you can see the tradition of the dancing egg and the thirteen white geese. The square in front of the Barcelona Cathedral hosts the Santa Llúcia Fair every December, a long-standing Christmas market where you can buy seasonal products like the typical caganers. Girona Cathedral Built at the highest point of the Old Quarter between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Girona showcases a notable diversity of styles. The cloister and the bell tower, known as the tower of Charlemagne, are Romanesque; the enormous vault of the nave is Gothic, and the main façade is in the Baroque style. The famous central staircase, ninety steps leading to the main door, is also Baroque. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the most unique works of this style in all of Europe. By the way, if you like TV series, a popular scene from Game of Thrones was filmed here. Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tarragona Located in the heart of the old city, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tarragona is a splendid example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. Begun in the 12th century and completed in the 14th, this majestic construction captivates with its imposing façade and a rich interior that houses a magnificent main altar. The cloister, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, contains a tranquil garden and fascinating carved capitals that narrate biblical and mythological stories. One of its most characteristic features is its rose window, a gem of Gothic art that illuminates the central nave. The Old Cathedral of Lleida Overlooking the city of Lleida, La Seu Vella is a towering monument that combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, its strategic location offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Its large Romanesque bell tower and the majestic cloister bear witness to its rich medieval past. The cloister, in particular, is renowned for its sculptural beauty and the variety of decorative motifs that adorn its capitals. Despite having suffered damage and transformations over the centuries, La Seu Vella remains a powerful symbol of Lleida's history and culture. Cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell The Cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell is one of the purest and most impressive examples of Romanesque architecture in Catalonia. Built in the 12th century, it stands out for its austerity and harmony, and it is the only Romanesque cathedral in Catalonia. The interior is remarkable for its robust columns and semicircular arches that support a simple yet elegant vault. It houses one of the few completely preserved Romanesque cloisters, where each arcade and capital reveals unique details and a deep artistic sensitivity. The cathedral is also famous for being the seat of the Diocese of Urgell, one of the oldest in Spain. Other monasteries and cathedrals in Catalonia to discover and explore In Catalonia, the religious heritage is as rich as it is varied, and it is very present in many of its monasteries and cathedrals that can still be visited today. A prime example is the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, gateway to the high Catalan mountains, one of the emblems of Romanesque in Catalonia. Its sculpted portal is a work of art that narrates biblical stories with unmatched complexity and detail. We also highlight the ancient Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres, by the river Ter, offering an essential view of Romanesque architecture in a natural setting of great beauty. On the other hand, the Monastery of Colera, located in a quiet area of the Alt Empordà, is a lesser-known gem that preserves silence and mysticism among vineyards and olive trees. Closer to urban activity, the Monastery of Sant Cugat, with its impressive cloister, is one of the most complete and elaborate of all Catalan Romanesque. We must not forget Sant Pau del Camp, an oasis of peace in the heart of Barcelona, which transports the visitor to medieval times with its intimate and welcoming structure. In the Lluçanès region, Santa Maria de Lluçà surprises with its cloister and Romanesque frescoes that speak of the profound spiritual sense of the place. Finally, we also highlight the Cathedral of Tortosa, in the south of Catalonia, which dominates the city with its majestic Gothic façade and an interior that houses a fascinating collection of sacred art, a testimony to its long history and its central role in the cultural and religious life of the region. These monasteries and cathedrals are not only guardians of art and history but also gateways to a past that continues to resonate in every stone, fresco, and vault.