The Montserrat Day trip from Barcelona is the best option if you are visiting the capital of Catalunya.
Located only one hour away from Barcelona the Day Trip to Montserrat offers an unforgettable experience, combining nature and culture.
One of the most interesting things about Montserrat is the mountain itself. With the unmistakable shape, the mountains appear to be higher than it really is because it rises up abruptly from the Llobregat river.
The peculiar shape of the mountain gave its name: Montserrat, the Serrated Mountain. Mont- mountain, Serrat – serrated. The highest peak is St Jerome, at 1236 meters above sea level.
High in the mountain hides the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, founded in the year 1025 by Abbot Oliba.
The Monastery of Montserrat is located 725 meters above sea level.
Day Trip to Montserrat from Barcelona
The Monastery can be reached by car, with a Funicular or, for the most adventurous, with the Aeri of Montserrat. The cable car was installed in 1930.
Any means of transportation will give you breathtaking views over the mountain.
Cable Car to Montserrat
Since its founding, in the 11th century, the Monastery of Montserrat has kept a constant dialogue and mutual support with the community.
The undisputed symbol of the mountain is the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly known as La Moreneta or the “Dark Madonna”, named for the colour of Her skin. In 1881 the Virgin of Montserrat became the patron saint of Catalunya, together with Saint George.
The Virgin of Montserrat
It is a Romanesque wooden statue, carved somewhere in the late twelfth century. The legend says she was found by shepherds in a cave in the mountain. Today the place was transformed in the Chapel of the Holy Cave, which can be reached after an assiduous hike.
The architecture of Montserrat
The architectural ensemble is composed of two main buildings: the church, today a Basilica from the 19th Century, and the monastic buildings. You will find as well a hotel, a hostel and apartments, built mainly for pilgrims and sometimes tourists looking for a moment of silence and meditation.
Montserrat Monastery architecture
There is also a Boys Choir, with children from 9 to 14 years living and studying at Montserrat. They perform every day, except Saturdays. Today its become a must to book a seat, or you might not be guaranteed the entrance.
The MUSEUM
Montserrat also has a remarkable artistic heritage, mostly from private donations, consisting of modern painting from the French Impressionism, with works by Monet, Sisley, Degas, Pissarro, plus artists such as Miró, Dalí, Picasso, Clavé, Tapies, and an amazing Caravaggio!
Caravaggio at the Museum of Montserrat
And another painting that i fall involve with is the young Pablo Picasso, with a painting he did when he was 14 years old: The old fisherman. It’s amazing the masterpiece he did at such an early age! I simply love how he managed to paint the old’s man face, transmitting his feelings of preoccupation or maybe resignation.
Pablo Picasso The Old Fisherman
The mountain itself is a natural wonder. Hiking routes provide amazing views, a lovely way to relax for a few hours and get the blood flowing!
As much as I would like to capture the beauty and the amazing impact this place have on people, you have to come and see it for yourself.
I would love to be your private tour guide and introduce you to magical Montserrat. You can check the tour here:
Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona Private Tour
If you are more of an independent traveller, you can use the Self Guided App Live Life Barcelona, where at the Day Trip section you will find an enthusiastic route of the Monastery, but as well as a guided hike to the cross of Saint Michael. You can get it for Android and iPhone here:
