A little historical data
The incredible open-air monument (as Barcelona is called) opens up the most amazing sights for its guests, which have brought the city worldwide fame. For example, about 50 km from the city lies a fantastically beautiful place, a unique mountain range – the “carved” Montserrat mountains.
A comfortable car will take all those who wish to visit the excursion to Montserrat from Barcelona. The road, where incredibly beautiful mountains are located, will take no more than 1 hour. As travelers get closer, dazzling views of the rocky terrain will open up, on top of which the outline of the Benedictine monastery – the spiritual symbol of Catalonia – can be seen.
The excursion to Montserrat will reveal how the Benedictine monastery was founded in this inaccessible area in the early 11th century. It is worth noting that the highest point of the mountain range reaches 1,236 meters, the total length is approximately 10 km, and the width is about 5 km.
No one has remained indifferent when looking at the mesmerizing “artistically carved” mountains with their power and grandeur. This spiritual monument of the past is known to many pilgrims, for whom this unusual area is considered a symbol where the Divine presence exists.
The variety of attractions of the Montserrat mountain range
The excursion to Montserrat after visiting the basilica of the monastery, where the famous relic of the Catholic Christian world – the Black Madonna – is kept, will help understand why this place is so popular among guests of Barcelona and all of Spain. This unusual name was given due to the almost black face of the figure, which is believed to have immense miraculous power.
You will also have the opportunity to get to know the history better, you will learn what is unusual here, and see all the most interesting things on the “carved” mountain, for example:
Flora and fauna
Visiting historical buildings can be combined with admiring the splendor of untouched nature on the Sant Joan funicular. It will be an exciting journey during which tourists will see incredible green expanses, rocky terrain, and possibly mountain goats. Today, the mountain formation along with the surrounding area is a Natural Park.
Another route is the funicular leading to the Holy Cave, the place where, according to legend, the image of the Mother of God was found.
There is also the opportunity to ascend to the Montserrat monastery by cable car, that is, to make a kind of journey through the air.
Choir Escolania de Montserrat
When services are held in the monastery, one can hear the singing of the most famous boys’ choir.
It is advisable to inform the guide in advance of the desire to listen to the angelic voices, as the choir is so popular that the area of the main church of the monastery is filled to the brim with parishioners and ordinary listeners during their Divine singing. This truly majestic event cannot be missed!
Where else to go for impressions
For those wishing to gain even more unforgettable impressions within one trip, the exciting excursion to Montserrat (from Andorra is also planned) will not end halfway. Travelers are offered to choose any direction, for example:
- To move to the wine cellars of the Torres family. The estate itself is an award-winning producer, confirming the high quality of its products. Some alcoholic beverages bear the honorary title of “the best” in the world. With a guide, you will embark on an exciting journey through vineyards, cellars, winemaking production, and a museum, which will end with a tasting of the famous wines of the Torres factory;
- To visit the Codorníu factory, which has been producing natural champagne (in Spanish cava) according to French recipes since 1872. As far back as 1551, it was a family business, managed only by family members;
- To head to the Mediterranean town of Sitges – the capital of the famous Costa de Garraf coast among the Spanish elite, where modernist architecture is well represented, and medieval architectural monuments have been preserved.
