Top Things to do in Montserrat
Top Restaurants in Montserrat
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What to do and see in Montserrat, Catalonia: The Best Free Things to do
This mountain is home to one of the most important religious sites in Spain. A residence for the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, the mountain is visited not only by those seeking spiritual rewards but also by those looking for one of the most spectaculars views of Catalonia. The history of Montserrat goes back to 880 when a group of shepherd children saw a bright light descending from the sky in the Montserrat mountains. The monks are also the owners of the Publicacions de l'Abadia de Montserrat, a publishing house that continues to operate today. It is the oldest press in the world, having published its first book in 1499. Music lovers will appreciate L'Escolania choir, a boys' choir of sopranos and altos based at the Benedictine abbey. They perform every day at the Basilica of Montserrat.
Restaurants in Montserrat
1. Sant Jeroni
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
Reviewed By YCONWEB
We love nature and we were thrilled to learn that we could hike up to the sant jeroni summit in Montserrat. We finished the choir at 13:15pm and rushed to take the 13:30 sant Joan funicular departing at the lower station. We started the hike at the sant Joan funicular upper station. It’s a moderate hike except the last section to the summit that had many steps up (more than 200). We got an information sheet from the information center at the monastery and it’s very helpful. The trail was very well marked and as described on the sheet. The mountains and the view to the monastery were awesome. It took us 2 hours 15 mins round trip with no breaks and just a few photo stops because we had to be back to Barcelona by 19:00. The summit was too windy for us to stay for more than 5 minutes anyway (bring extra clothes or scarves). But still good exercise and wonderful scenery. A must-do when visiting Montserrat. FYI, our hike was between the sant Joan funicular upper station and sant jeroni summit and it’s perfect for us (not enough time plus the fares of sant Joan funicular were included in our trans Montserrat tickets already). But for those physically strong, u can start ur hike from the monastery!!
2. Montana de Montserrat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By maureen5 - Franklin, United States
Visited for the day from Begur (on the eastern coast of Spain). It was about a 90 minute drive via the freeways. It is a very beautiful and historic site - well worth the visit- the Basilica was my favorite - along with the spectacular views from up top. It surprised me that hardly anyone talked driving their own car up the mountain - there are two fairly good sized lots near the top and you don't have to take the train. This is a good way to see it also if you have mobility issues. The museum and church can be visited by climbing no more than 2 flights of stairs - and both were very interesting - with the added touch of hearing the wonderful boys' choir at 1 pm in the church. The museum was top notch - many styles - with religious works representing perhaps 1/3 of the art there. The cafeteria supplied hot and cold lunches (cafeteria style) - and even though there were many visitors, finding a table was easy (we visited on Mon.Nov. 25th, 2019).
3. Santa Cueva de Montserrat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By gzau - San Diego, United States
This area is a short funcular ride from the main Montserrat monestary. The hike is very easy as its mostly level. You can see some sculptures along the hike. The series covers Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. It end ends in the small church underneath a big rock where they have the madonna. Definitely recommend this nice hike.
4. Cami dels Degotalls
5. Basilica De Montserrat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Simonajim - Knoxville, United States
Montserrat is a jagged mountain that contains a monastery, a basilica, and some of the most scenic views in Spain. The basilica is famous for its black statue of Mary and Jesus. The area features a large open area leading to the church. There is also a museum, a large cafeteria, a souvenir shop, and several kiosk type businesses. But, if nothing more. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking. It is a relatively short drive from Barcelona.
