5 wonderful things to see in Montserrat
Do you need one day escape from the frenetic city life? If the answer is yes, you have to take a day off to visit Montserrat! Let’s follow this simple guide for your trip!
Once you arrive there, you can reach the top of the mountain by one hour and half of walk (it’s the best choice if you want to enjoy the nature) or you can choose between two funiculars to reach the top. You can take the Saint Cova funicular in the morning (better to avoid the tourist crowd), it will brings you to Santa Cova Cave where you can visit the cave chapel where, according to legend, the image of Mare de Deu de Montserrat (the Virgin Mary) was seen by shepherds. Instead, the Saint Joan funicular brings you to Saint Joan point of view and then you are halfway to Saint Jeroni that is the highest part of Montserrat. From here, you can admire a wonderful sightseeing and relax your mind.
On your way back, you have to stop and visit the Montserrat’s sanctuary and admire the Crypt, the Chapel of the Holy Sacramental and the Virgin’s Chapel: depending on the season, you can also listen to choral songs into the Basilica.
HISTORY
In 1025, Oliba, Abbot of Ripoll and Bishop of Vic, founded a new monastery at the hermitage of Santa Maria de Montserrat. The little monastery soon began to be famous for the miracle of the Virgin.
In the 1811 it has been destroyed by the Napoleon’ troop and then, in 1830 with the anticlerical law, it has been abandoned.
Today, Montserrat hosts a little community of monks and it is the second destination of pilgrimage after Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims come here from every part of the world to venerate the Virgin, called Moreneta: it’s a wood sculpture that represents a Virgin with her child; she has a globe in her hand. Since 1881 she is the patron saint of Catalunya.
To make your trip better, follow these 5 wonderful things that you can do in Montserrat.
1.MUSEU DE MONTSERRAT
This museum it’s a jump into the art. It shows an exciting collection that includes Egyptian mummy but also several works of Caravaggio, El Greco, Picasso.
- It’s located in Santa Maria square
- Open: 10.00 -17.45 ; from 2th April until 30th October: 10.00 -18.45
- 7€ for adults; 6€ for students
2.MONTSERRAT MOUNTAIN
There are many paths that bring you to different peaks. The most famous is Saint Jeroni that is the highest part of Montserrat: here there is an amazing view of the valley below, where you can take fascinating photos!
3.SAINT COVA
This chapel was built here after that people found the Virgin Statue. You can reach this place thanks to the funicular railway Saint Cova, and you can enjoy this time!
4.ESPAI AUDIOVISUAL
This multimedia space (with pictures and sounds) shows the life and the activities of the monk. It will be grateful and sensational!
- 5€ for adults; 3€ for children
- 9.00-17.45 from Monday to Friday; until 18.45 Saturday and Sunday.
5.”ESCOLANIA DE MONTSERRAT”
Since XIII century this chorus of white voice sings every day into the basilica. The singers are children about 9 and 14 years old. They will give you wonderful emotions!
If you want to take a day off and enjoy the amazing nature just one hour far from Barcelona, this is the perfect trip for you!
