Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range near Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range. The main peaks are Sant Jeroni, Montgrós and Miranda de les Agulles.
20 pictures of Montserrat from Collins Lesulie, Marty Bell, John Fornander and other travelers
Montserrat, Spain is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning landscape, rich history, and the famous Montserrat Monastery. The mountain range offers breathtaking views and unique rock formations, making it a perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers.
To get to Montserrat, take a train from Barcelona to the town of Monistrol de Montserrat. The journey takes about an hour. Once in Monistrol, you can choose between the cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) or the rack railway (Cremallera de Montserrat) to reach the Monastery. Both options provide a scenic ride and take around 20 minutes.
It's essential to book tickets for the cable car or the rack railway in advance, especially during peak tourist season. If you're planning to visit the famous Montserrat Boys' Choir performance, it is also a good idea to book your seat in advance, as it can get crowded. You can book your tickets online through their official websites.
The costs of visiting Montserrat can vary depending on your mode of transportation and the activities you choose. A round-trip ticket for the cable car costs around €13, while a round-trip ticket for the rack railway is about €17. Entrance to the Monastery is free, but some attractions, such as the museum or the funiculars to higher parts of the mountain, have additional fees.
Some of the best things to do in Montserrat include:
- Exploring the Montserrat Monastery, which houses the famous Black Madonna statue.
- Hiking the various trails in the Montserrat Natural Park, offering stunning views and unique rock formations.
- Visiting the Montserrat Museum, showcasing art pieces from renowned artists like Caravaggio, Picasso, and Dalí.
For a delicious meal, consider dining at these local eateries:
1. Restaurant Montserrat: Located near the Monastery, this restaurant offers traditional Catalan cuisine with panoramic views of the mountain range.
2. La Cafeteria: A more casual option, this cafeteria-style eatery serves sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes.
3. Cal Pèire: Located in the nearby town of Monistrol de Montserrat, this family-owned restaurant serves homemade Catalan dishes.
Consider staying at these accommodations:
1. Hotel Abat Cisneros: This historic hotel is located within the Montserrat Monastery complex, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views.
2. Apartamentos Montserrat Abat Marcet: These self-catering apartments are also within the Monastery complex, perfect for families or groups.
3. Hotel Can Missè: Located in the nearby town of Collbató, this charming hotel offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring Montserrat.
Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience, explore the hidden hermitages of Montserrat. Scattered throughout the mountains, these small dwellings were once inhabited by monks seeking solitude and spiritual reflection. Some hermitages, like Santa Cecília and Sant Benet, are accessible by foot and offer a glimpse into the lives of these reclusive monks amid the stunning natural landscape.
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⛰️ Hill station spots 🗼 Landmark spots ️🏜️ Badlands spots Extreme sport spots 🌲 Forest spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill spots ⛰️ Mountain spots 🏃♂️ Running spots Air sports spots 🏘️ Town spots ️🏜️ Canyon spots 🏖️ Coast spotsJust 40 km north of Barcelona, inland from the city centre, don't miss the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat. Clinging to its mountain wall, this superb achievement was founded in 1025 to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin on the mountain top. Today it houses a community of around 100 monks and receives many pilgrims. Its basilica houses the Romanesque statue of the Moreneta, the 12th-century black Virgin, patron saint of Catalonia. The veneration of this Virgin spread throughout Latin America thanks to the monk Bernat Boil who accompanied Christopher Columbus to America. There is also a museum with a fine collection of Egyptian mummies, gothic altarpieces and paintings by El Greco, Monet, Degas and Picasso. The most impressive way to reach the monastery is by cable car from the Aeri de Montserrat station. The architecture of the chapter house, the neo-Romanesque cloister and the refectory is remarkable. The famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí was involved in the construction of the Chapel of Our Lady. The monastery's library contains over 300,000 books.
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38 km (23.4 miles) away from Montserrat