Montserrat is a multi-peak mountain range located just outside Barcelona best known for the Benedictine monastery of Santa María de Montserrat. First known to the Romans as Mons Serratus (“Saw-Toothed Mountain”) and to the Catalans as Montsagrat (“Sacred Mountain”), it is famous for its unusual appearance and the aforementioned monastery, which houses an ancient wooden statue of the Virgin and Child that was supposedly carved by St. Luke, taken to Spain by St. Peter, and hidden in a cave during the Moorish occupation. The statue was found in 880 and has since been venerated by numerous pilgrims. It has since become a popular attraction bringing in thousands of visitors annually.
How to get there
The most convenient and accessible way to get there from Barcelona is taking the suburban rail FGC R5 line from the Placa Espanya metro station, if using the metro to get to the station simply follow the signs for the FGC and sometimes it’ll indicate Montserrat as well to make it easier. Once there you can use any of the ticket machines and get a round trip ticket which runs around 7 euros one way and will take approximately an hour and a half. Once at the station monistrol de Montserrat disembark and head to the separate train called Cremallera that takes you up to the monastery which is 14 euros roundtrip, also if you get off the FGC a stop before you have the option of taking the cable car which offers amazing views of the mountains.
What to do
Without a doubt, the main attraction of Montserrat is the monastery itself where you can see iconic sites like the cathedral where you can see the moreneta or black Madonna note you will need an entry ticket which will run you roughly 7 euros. Aside from this, there are many viewpoints where you can pictures of the valley below. Lastly, there’s many trails you can hike up be aware to look at the trail map at the start as some trails can go many kilometers away from the monastery, if you’re not too keen on making the trip up you can always take another cable car up and work your way back to the monastery.
Where to eat
If you get hungry there are a few cafeterias you can go to and a restaurant I brought my own food when I went but if you need to you have that option and some have good views of the valley.