Poblet Monastery, which stands in an attractive setting, is the most important and best-preserved example of Cistercian art in Catalonia. Built between the 12C and 18C, it presents a first fortified wall, within which the monastery's activities (gardening, workshops) took place, and a second wall, inside of which were the outhouses where dealings with the outside world took place; finally, there was a third wall with a defensive role, to protect the monastery and its valuable artistic items.