About this experience
Montserrat, also known as the 'serrated mountain', is rightfully considered the main holy place of the Catalans. In just an hour by high-speed train, we will reach the mountain range from the center of Barcelona and ascend to the Benedictine monastery on an exciting cable car. You will walk around the entire village surrounding the monastery, see the buildings designed by Puig i Cadafalch and Gaudi, explore the picturesque surroundings of Montserrat, and descend into the Holy Cave, where, according to legend, the Black Madonna was found.
What to expect
Life and architecture of the Benedictine monastery
The Montserrat Benedictine monastery is located on a rather modest plot of land but has a full-fledged infrastructure that you will get acquainted with: there are hotels, shops, post and police offices, two museums, and an agricultural market. I will tell you about the relationship with such a practical space distribution that Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the main Catalan architects, has. In addition to the revered sculpture of the Black Madonna in the monastery basilica, you will see other works of art from different eras, including a chapel in the modern style, a chapel built with the participation of Antonio Gaudi, and even a gift to the monastery from the football club Barcelona.
Holy Cave and the mystery of the Black Madonna
Then along the cliff, we will walk to the most interesting route of the Montserrat mountain - to the Holy Cave, where, according to legend, the famous Black Madonna was found. By the way, there are many other versions of its origin: I will definitely tell you about all of them on the walk, as well as about many other legends associated with this sacred place.
Nature trails of Montserrat
Despite a fairly large flow of tourists and pilgrims, Montserrat remains a wonderful natural park, a place for a quiet walk or solitude. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty are laid out around the mountains and the monastery: you will learn about the most interesting of them and, if desired, can continue exploring the mountains at a leisurely pace and then return to Barcelona by a verified route.
Organizational details
- Train and cable car ride is paid separately - about 26 euros
- Entrance to the basilica is paid separately - 10 euros for an adult ticket, 7 euros for a child up to 16 years old
- We meet at Placa Espanya station
- Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, and a headgear are welcomed
