Visit Monestir de Montserrat
The Monestir de Montserrat is very close to Barcelona. It is in the Catalonia region of Spain. The Monastery is set in a stunning location on the mountain of Montserrat. From here you have fabulous views over the mountains and surrounding area.
Explore the Monestir de Montserrat
The Montserrat Monastery is Catalonia's holiest place. As well as the monastery there are chapels and hermits caves and all is located in a fabulous location in the mountains above Barcelona and easily accisible from the city.
As well as the monastery there are two funiculars allowing a further climb into the mountains and a descent to the Santa Cova where legend has it the Virgin of Montserrat was found.
The monastery of Montserrat has been the home to a community of Benedictine monks since 1025. The Monastery has been a pilgrim site since ancient times and is one of the most famous in the Catholic world.
It is possible to hear the Escolania singing at 1pm and 19.10pm every day except July and during the Christmas period. The Escalonia is a famous choir of 50 boy choristers and if you get the chance hearing the choir is not to be missed.
Inside the monastery the Basilica has paintings by Catalan artists and an enamelled altar. The Black Madonna looks down from behind the altar and is protected by glass though one of her hands holding a wooden orb protrudes throough the glass so that pilgrims can touch her.
The Black Madonna is also known as the Virgin of Montserrat or 'La Moreneta' and is a small wooden statue said to have been made by Saint Luke and brought to Montserrat by Saint Peter.
Also at Montserrat are shops, cafes, a hotel, a museum and various chapels. It is possible to walk 'The Way of the Cross' with 14 statues marking the stations of the cross.
Funicular de Sant Joan
Take the Funicular de Sant Joan from Montserrat and climb to an altitude of 1000m. From here there is a fabulous view of Montserrat and its mountainous setting. At the top there is a Nature Centre giving details of the mountain's history, climate, flora and fauna and details of the walks you can do from here.
Funicular de la Santa Cova
According to legend the image of the Virgin of Montserrat was found here. Since 1929 pilgrims have taken the funicular down to this cave. On the way to Santa Cova you can see the Rosari Monumental, a series of sculptures including work by Antoni Gaudi and Josep Llimona.
How to get to Montserrat
Another beauty of Montserrat is its ease of acces from Barcelona. Catch the train at the FGC Pl. Espanya Station. Trains leave 7 days a week, every hour from around 8.30 am. Take the train to Montserrat on the Montserrat-Manresa line where you get the Cable Car up the mountain.
Montserrat is very close to Barcelona and well worth a visit.
More Places to visit in Barcelona
Visit Barcelona's historic old town known as the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona old town / Barri Gotic.
Visit Montjuic and the Museu Nacional.
Visit Eixample and see Gaudi's wonderful Modernista buildings.
Visit the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's piece de resistance!
You can find more local travel ideas in the Barcelona guide and the Catalonia guide.
Map of Monestir de Montserrat and places to visit
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