Ever since I glimpsed a photo of the monastery of Montserrat nestled amid jagged mountain peaks, I knew I had to visit. When our Barcelona airport taxi driver offered to drive us there before the hotel, I did not hesitate. My only regret is that I did not get to visit the basilica, see the famous Black Madonna or the museum. They require timed entry tickets, unfortunately the next available time slots were outside our available window.

We took the funicular up to the monastery and returned by cable car. Both options offer large windows allowing passengers to admire the splendor surrounding them. Once on top, we walked around the sanctuary admiring stunning views of mountains and valleys. I then hiked up the trail of Sant Miquel which starts at the monastery and ends at an overlook with beautiful panoramic views where a cross had been erected. It is a moderate out and back 1.4 miles with an elevation increase of 708ft. I highly recommend hiking it if elevation is not a deterrent as the views along the way are simply amazing.

The sanctuary of the Virgin of Montserrat’s origin dates back to year 880 when -according to legend, the image of the Mother of God was found in a cave. The monastery was built in year 1025. It was expanded over the centuries attracting many pilgrims, eventually becoming a cultural center and home to the oldest choir and music school in Europe: Escolonia de Montserrat or Montserrat Boys’ choir has thrived there since the 14th century. In 1811, Napoleon’s army destroyed the monastery. It was later rebuilt. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed our Lady of Montserrat as the Patron Saint of Catalonia. The Spanish Civil War took place in 1936-1939. The monastery lost 23 monks necessitating the evacuation of all remaining as well as the Boys’ Choir. They returned after the war ended. A Catalan paintings museum was inaugurated in 1982, and the mountain became a natural park in 1987. Today over 80 Benedictine monks live in the monastery. It continues to attract tourists, pilgrims, and hikers.

There are several ways to get to Montserrat from Barcelona including train, tours and private transportation. I noted plenty of food options and a hotel. I understand a spiritual retreat inside the monastery is also an option. Many must have realized that it’s a wonderful day trip from Barcelona as it was crowded despite the fact that March is the low touristic season. Make sure to purchase timed tickets for the Basilica, museum, Boys’ choir ahead of time -if not included in your tour. If you are a hiker, there are plenty of hiking trails with amazing views in Montserrat Nature Park. Make sure to check the reference links below for additional information.

References Official Web Site, what to see, Virtual Tour, Historical Timeline, Cruz Sant Miquel via Cami de Sant Miquel, Easter mass 2024, Wikipedia