The area is a specially protected natural space located on the northern slopes of the Prades Mountains and lies at the headwaters of the Francolí river. Declared a Natural Site of National Interest (NSNI) by the Generalitat de Catalunya in 1984, it owes its name to the Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century in an orchard surrounded by poplars, then known as “hortur populeti”. Since its declaration as a protected natural space, it has become one of the most important forest masses in the south of Catalonia and has specialised in the study, management and conservation of mature forests of high natural value. It is an example of a protected natural area in which historical, cultural and natural heritage are interrelated and create a harmonious landscape of great aesthetic beauty that is highly appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
The Partial Nature Reserves of La Trinitat and El Titllar were declared in 1998 and are managed jointly with the Natural Site of Poblet . The protected area is located in the Conca de Barberà region, specifically within the municipalities of Vimbodí i Poblet and Espluga de Francolí.
It combines cultural elements such as the Poblet Cistercian monastery, declared a World Heritage Site (1991), vineyards, mixed forests, Mediterranean and Eurosiberian forests in the shade of the Prades Mountains, with mature areas, old trees and ecological dynamics of plant succession and wood decomposition which are of great ecological value.
The Natrual Site of Poblet can be observed and interpreted from several landscape viewpoints located in the higher areas, or from the plain itself and around the monastery.
It has a great diversity of plant communities in a relatively small space, with the coastal and mountainous holm oak groves that combine with the cultivated landscape, especially vineyards, which have the Conca de Barberà Denomination of Origin. The spectacular forest mass, the orientation and the climate allow the presence in the area of a high diversity of fauna, with some species with Euro-Siberian and mid-European requirements such as the Eurasian nuthatch and the thrush. During the winter months, a large number of birds of prey can be seen, such as the goshawk, the tawny owl, the Bonelli’s eagle and the peregrine falcon. The presence of mammals, which are more difficult to see due to their often nocturnal habits, includes typical Mediterranean forest species such as badgers, beech martens and foxes, as well as a notable population of wild boar and roe deer, which was reintroduced in 1995. In order to protect these animal communities a Wildlife Refuge was established in the area known as the Poblet Forest.
Itineraries
Natural Site of Poblet is a reference point for hiking, as it has an important network of footpaths that are perfectly signposted and equipped, allowing easy access to the most unique and attractive corners of the Prades Mountains. They have been designed to enable visitors to enjoy leisure activities, healthy sports in nature and the interpretation of its natural and cultural heritage.
There are itineraries for all ages and levels of difficulty. Some are themed.
The routes pass through the different altitudinal ranges. From the agricultural plain with the Poblet monastery, they pass through mature forests, brushwoods, crags, cliffs, ravines, valleys and scrubland, with spectacular viewpoints, until they reach the top of the Prades Mountains.
