Side Trips

If you rent a car, you can visit two attractions within a 30- to 45-minute drive from Tarragona. The first stop is the Monestir de Poblet, Plaça Corona d'Aragó 11, E-43448 Poblet (tel. 97-787-00-89; www.poblet.cat), 47km (29 miles) northwest of Tarragona, one of the most intriguing monasteries in Spain. Its most exciting features are the oddly designed tombs of the old kings of Aragón and Catalonia. Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries and still in use, Poblet's cathedral-like church reflects both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Cistercian monks still live here, passing their days writing, studying, working a printing press, farming, and helping restore the building, which suffered heavy damage during the 1835 revolution. Admission to the monastery costs 6€ adults and 3.50€ children 13 and under and students. March 15 to October 12, it's open Monday to Saturday 10am to 12:30pm and 3 to 6pm; October 13 to March 14, it's open daily 10:30am to 12:30pm and 3 to 5:30pm. Except for Monday, when no guide service is available, visits to the monastery usually include tours, mostly in Spanish but with occasional English translations. They depart at 75-minute intervals during the monastery's open hours.

About 4.8km (3 miles) farther along, you can explore an unspoiled medieval Spanish town, Montblanch. At its entrance, a map pinpoints the principal artistic and architectural treasures -- and there are many. Walk, don't drive, along the narrow, winding streets.