One timeless day in Montserrat
At the heart of the mountains of Montserrat nestles the medieval monastery of the same name. A great destination for sporty people as well as history buffs. Montserrat is also a well-known European pilgrimage destination.
A lovely place to visit in Catalonia!
Mountains and a monastery: spend time in Montserrat!
Montserrat is the name of the mountain range to the west of Barcelona as well as the Benedictine abbey that nestles within its folds. This architectural gem was built in the 11th and 13th centuries on the side of the mountain at an altitude of 700 metres. Thanks to its beauty, Montserrat is one of the most popular places to visit in the Barcelona region.
Without a doubt, the mountains on their own are well worth a detour, with their unique shapes that sometimes look like human forms and sometimes resemble animals. Away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, it has been occupied since the Middle Ages by hermits and mystics. In the 19th century it served as an inspiration for writers. The German romantic movement, embodied by Schiller, Goethe and Wagner, was also strongly inspired by this place. Now it mainly attracts nature lovers and climbers.
With its monastery and its famous “Black Virgin”, Montserrat is also an important European pilgrimage destination. It is said that in the 13th century this miraculous Virgin appeared in a mountain cave. Within a context of increasing mysticism, this was all that was needed for the pilgrimages to commence. In the 16th century the infrastructure was put in place to receive and house the travellers. The accommodation buildings that remain date back mainly to the 19th century. A Basilica plus a museum have been added to the monastery. The breathtaking view remains unchanged.
Start off with a virtual visit to the abbey.
Things to do in Montserrat
If you come to Montserrat, take a tour of the Basilica. It was built in the 16th century and is home to the famous black Virgin (“Moreneta” in Spanish). You have to arm yourself with a fair bit of patience, however: the queues can be very long! The Basilica also affords splendid views across the valley. And admire the cloisters in Gothic style, a remnant of the medieval era.
The Montserrat Museum houses quite a few lovely surprises. You will find paintings by Caravaggio, el Greco and Zurbaran as well as works by Monet, Degas, Picasso and Dali. Don’t forget to view the fine collection of Byzantine icons.
If you want to be more physically active, go for a hike in the surrounding area. There are several trails that vary in length and difficulty. One of them takes you all the way on foot to the Hermitage of Sant Jeroni.
Do you want to discover Catalonia and are you looking for an ideal base from which to explore?
Book your accommodation at Lloret de Mar now!
Useful information:
Address : 08199 Monestir de Montserrat (Barcelona)
Tel.: +34.938.77.77.01
Email : informacio@larsa-montserrat.com
Website
How to get to Montserrat from Lloret.
– By car: take the AP-7 or C-32 from Lloret and avoid Barcelona by taking the C-58 at Badalona towards Sabadell and Terrassa. Pass through the village of Monistrol and Montserrat and head up into the mountains. You can leave your car at Monistrol-Vila and take the cog railway. The journey from Lloret de Mar takes approx. one and a half hours.
– By public transport: join one of the organised trips from Lloret or take the bus to Barcelona and take the Ferrocaril train from plaça Espanya. To reach the monastery itself, take the cable car or the cog railway.