Precedents, fundació i primers anys del monestir de Vallbona (1154-1185)

Abstract

After reviewing the oldest documents related to the Cistercian monastery of Vallbona, this article analyzes its mixed —men and women— eremitic origin and the task and personality of its founder Ramon, who was also a promoter of other settlements in the Catalunya Nova (the lands recently conquered from the Muslims).
In 1171 the community was incorporated to Cîteaux. As a consequence of that, it gained social prestige, which was increased after the visit of the Catalan king (February-March 1178) who supported the monastery with the concession of privileges and donations of lands and properties.
Finally, this article studies the role played by abbess Oria, who came from the Cistercian monastery of Tulebras (Navarra) to instruct the new community, and by the noble Berenguera de Cervera, who was one of the most important benefactress of the abbey.