Barcelona to Montserrat, why you should go

¡Hola! Bienvenidos a Barcelona … Ah, Barcelona, the city of bountiful beauty and amazing architecture. One of Spain’s most famous locations, Barcelona remains on travelers’ lists no matter how many times they have visited.

Pandemics are tough on wanderers. I know, virtual travel is great and all, but it isn’t the same. Feet are itchy and passports are dusty. There are places to go and people to meet. Pandemics also can be a blessing to travelers. How often is one afforded the luxury of time to really give thought (and research) to the next destination? Maybe your next luxury will be staying at one of the hotels in the world — check out my recommendations. By the time COVID-19 has ridden into the sunset, you’ll know exactly where your next destination is, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Barcelona.

Barcelona to Montserrat monastery — Divine intervention

I have been to Barcelona several times previously and, with only one day in the city this time, I decided to do something a bit different. I saw a tweet and photo in the Montserrat monastery’s stream and thought it might be a really interesting place to wander and take photographs.

How to get to Montserrat

Getting to Montserrat looked confusing at first, but in actuality it was quite easy to navigate Barcelona’s very robust public rail system. The large central Espanya rail station could be reached from anywhere in the city via Metro, then I simply followed the signage to the R5 line. For about €30, you can purchase a combination round-trip ticket, funicular or cable car transport up the mountain, and free all-day Barcelona Metro use from ticket machines in the Espanya station.

Arriving at the base of the mountain from the Barcelona train system simply took my breath away. You’re sitting at the base of a 2,400-foot-high mountain topped with serrated rocks, and the monastery sitting on a sheer cliff wall. The Funicula ride up the side of the mountain takes about 20 minutes and looking down into the valley on the way is absolutely spectacular. Braver souls can take a cable car up the mountain—it only takes six minutes, but you will have to stand up during the entire trip.

Montserrat beautiful grounds.

 

Ride the Funicular to top of the mountain

Monterrat, Spain

Get thee to the basilica

Monastery in Barcelona, Spain

Sant Joan makes a good point

After enjoying the beautiful grounds and scenic valley views from the monastery, I took an additional funicular ride (included in the price) up to Sant Joan point. This traverses another 1,000 feet further to the very top of the mountain. Here you can hike on gorgeous trails and see a 360-degree view of Spain. Plus, the view of the monastery from Sant Joan is the best vantage point for photographs.

View of the monastery from Sant Joan.

 

Montserrat, music, and more

Montserrat is a place of outstanding individuality and unrivaled beauty. The geology is quite amazing, and the shrine where the patron saint of Catalonia, la Moreneta, is worshipped is unparalleled in its ornate beauty. It is also hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most famous schools of music.

Montserrat is a place of outstanding individuality and unrivaled beauty. The geology is quite amazing, and the shrine where the patron saint of Catalonia, la Moreneta, is worshipped is unparalleled in its ornate beauty. It is also hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most famous schools of music.

Why 3+ million visit annually

Montserrat: the monastery grounds have hotels and restaurants.

If you haven’t already, I hope you put Barcelona on your travel bucket list. I think it belongs on a must-see-cities list for all of us explorers. If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit, tell us your favorite spot and restaurant recommendations. Check out my tips for your Bucket List destination.

 

Stay safe, amigos, looking forward to hitting the trails again and sharing my adventures.

—Ann

 

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