You won’t believe me but only now I have finalized treating pictures from our trip to Montserrat last year in the beginning of September during our wine trip to Penedes. The Benedictine Monastery built in an unusual rock mountain is the most religious place in Catalunya and attracts pilgrims from all over the world who come to see here La Morenetta, the Black Madonna. But you will enjoy a trip to Montserrat even if you are not a religious traveler, as several hiking paths are available for visitors to enjoy spectacular mountain views of Catalunya.
Located only one hour by train from Barcelona, Montserrat is an ideal option for a day trip if you want to escape the city. After getting off the train, a funicular will take you up to the Monastery. We visited Montserrat after enjoying some relax time in a charming Comarquinal Bioresort located in the beautiful countryside (see pictures and read more in my earlier post here). If you arrive by car, I would say that the best time to reach Montserrat is early morning, as already after 10 a.m. the parking is packed. We arrived around 11 and already had to park down the hill and then walk about 20 minutes up the road. Also, if you want some nice pictures, go early before the sun is up or even behind the monastery.
First thing upon our arrival to the spot, we had to stop at the viewpoint where you can have a nice picture of the complex. Then we visited the beautiful Benedictine Monastery sitting in a finger like mountains – it is breathtaking! Inside, the black statue of the Black Madonna (La Morenetta) and if you want to see her, you may need to queue. We did not. Every midday, you can hear the Montserrat Boys’ Choir (the Escolania) singing in the Basilica of Montserrat. Unfortunately, we did not make it either due to the delay caused by looking for a parking spot.
A trip to Montserrat wouldn’t be complete without a hike to the top of the mountains – you can choose from several hiking trails from very easy and short to more intense ones. The views overlooking the whole Catalunya from the top of the mountain are spectacular. Just pay attention to take comfortable shoes as the path is rocky and dusty. We took the Sant Joan funicular and did the Tebes Trail which took us about an hour and a half, so if you are short of time, this may suit you. The same funicular will also take you to the starting point of Sant Jeroni Trail, which is more intense.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the markets in Montserrat. When we were leaving, there were still markets selling some cheese and we got one aromatic goat cheese, it was so yummy!
And here are some pictures, enjoy!
More information useful for the visit of Montserrat here.
Have you been to Montserrat? How was your trip and which hike did you do?
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