It's summer- and that means the days in Barcelona are long and warm. It also means that sometimes the hustle and bustle of the city can become too hot to handle, and is the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring the multitude of attractions located outside and around Barcelona. It's just for this reason that the staff of the ComeToBarcelona have decided to create a new series of blog posts, each one highlighting one of the spectacular day trips that are possible with Barcelona as your home base. These articles will provide you with all of the information to explore some of the great sites of Catalunya, so be sure to check back frequently- new excursions will be added often.
Today we are going to take you on a trip to Montserrat. This extraordinary site, both a mountain and a monastery (with a very special resident), is one of the most famous landmarks in Catalunya. Heck, there's even a small Caribbean country named after the place! Read on to learn all about this distinct and essential icon of Barcelona.
The Monastery and Mountain of Montserrat
Background
Montserrat, whose name from Catalan translates literally as serrated (jagged) mountain, is an emblematic peak located about 50 kilometers outside the city of Barcelona. While the mountain itself and its unique geological formations are an attraction for hikers and climbers, it is the Santa Maria de Montserrat Benedictine monastery that attracts most daytrippers to this sacred site. Located high on the mountain, the monastery is the the home of the Virgin of Montserrat (La Nostra Senyora de Montserrat, in Catalan), one of the rare "black Madonnas" of Europe. The statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding the child Christ in her arms, and is believed to have been carved in Jerusalem during the early Christian era. This statue is an essential part of Catalan culture, and is in fact the patron of all of Catalunya. Even today, Montserrat is one of the most popular names for women in Barcelona!
What to do?
Visit the Basilica, and see up close the majestic tranquility of the Virgin of Montserrat. Light a candle in one of the grottos of the abbey after your visit. Even if you are not a religious person, there is no denying that this is a spiritual site. Visit the museum adjacent to the basilica to see works by some of the most outstanding Spanish and Catalan artists- El Greco, Picasso, Dalí, amongst others. Check the schedule of services and see a performance of La Escoliana, one of the most renowned Boys' Choirs in Europe, which makes its home in Montserrat. Enjoy the artesanal market of honey and handmade cheeses that is often set up on along the outer wall of the monastery. The goat cheeses are divine, as are the local wild honeys. If you get a chance to taste Mel i Mató, a local dessert delicacy made of fresh cheese and honey, do no pass it up. It's a flavor experience you won't soon forget. Hike or take the funicular railway to the peak of the mountain, Sant Jeroni, which stands 1236 meters above sea level, for spectacular views and a memorable excursion. Yes, you've got a lot to see- so start getting ready now!
Where and how?
The nearest town to Montserrat is the small village of Monistrol de Montserrat. Located about 50 kilometers from the city of Barcelona, the mountain is accessible by road or by rail. If you have your own car, you may drive to the monastery- though be wary that the road is treacherous and parking is scarce during the summer. If public transport is your thing, there are several ways to arrive to Montserrat. All include taking a train from Plaça Espanya. From there you may either arrive to the monastery by cable car or by rack railway. Be sure to check out the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catlunya (FGC) website if this is the way you want to arrive to the mountain.
The simplest way to visit this unforgettable icon is to join a tour that specializes in visits to the mountain. This can actually be the most economical method as well; as transportation, parking, and guide are all included in the cost. Make your reservation with us here to visit Montserrat on a tour with our affiliate Viator. There are trips for all budgets, so you are sure to find the tour that meets your needs. Have fun!
Rent Your Flat On Line!
