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ON THE WAY
OF THE C
Alessandra Cenna
Rich land of endless natural and historical beauties, Catalonia is a region of strong political and cultural identity.
In the southeast of Barcelona, the famous «fashionista» of Gaudi and at the heart of the wine region Conca de Barbera, hides a wonderful Cistercian Route, «la Ruta del Cister», which leads to the discovery of three monasteries where monks established their order.
Following the principles of the rule of St. Benedict, praying away from the world and living by the work of his hands, the French abbot Bernard of Clairvaux founded in the twelfth century the order of the white Monks.
The three monasteries, Santes Creus, Vallbona de les Monges and Poblet are wonderful examples of the religious architecture of the time with a perfect control of the organization of spaces. They bring together with perfection the places of worship, large farms, factories, workshops, hospitals, hostels, royal residences and cemeteries.
ISTERCIAN
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