The church was originally designed as a much larger building, but the Black Death and subsequent economic crises forced a permanent halt to the construction of the nave.
The primary portal is one of the few examples of Catalan Gothic sculpture to survive the destruction of the Spanish Civil War relatively intact.
The interior contains a famous retable of Saint Bernard, created by Pere Serra in the 14th century.
The church was heavily damaged during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, leading to the loss of much of its original interior religious art.
It is built on the site of a former castle chapel that existed when the town was first founded.
Santa Maria de Montblanc is a prominent Gothic church located within the medieval walls of Montblanc, Tarragona. It is known as the 'Cathedral of the Francolí' due to its imposing size and architectural significance. Construction began in the 14th century, featuring a mix of Gothic and later Baroque interventions. The facade retains a notable 14th-century Gothic portal, although the main entrance was modified in the 17th century. The interior houses a significant altarpiece dedicated to Saint Bernard and Saint Bernard of Menthon. The church sits at the highest point of the historic town, dominating the skyline above the surrounding fortifications.
From the Plaça de Santa Maria looking up at the main portal.
Walk the full perimeter of the church exterior to see the transition between original Gothic stonework and later repairs.
Visit the nearby medieval wall walkway to get an elevated perspective of the church's roof and bell tower.
Look closely at the main portal's archivolts to identify the remnants of original stone carvings.
Do not attempt to climb the bell tower, as it is generally closed to the public.
Occasionally closed during private religious services or local holidays.
Dress modestly as it is an active religious site; keep volume low.
