Montserrat Monastery and Hiking

I signed up for an all-day trip to visit Montserrat Monastery and to hike in the area. I think there were about 15 people, plus two guides on the trip.  We rode in a mini-bus about 30 miles from Barcelona to Montserrat.   At 1,236 meters (4,055 feet), Montserrat is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and has about 70 monks in residence. It is Catalonia's most important religious retreat, with people making overnight hikes to watch the sunrise from Montserrat.

This was my first view of the cable car I would be riding later in the day.

Construction of the Basilica of Montserrat began in the 16th century and had to be rebuilt in 1811, after being destroyed in the Peninsular War.

After visiting the basilica, we headed to the cable car to take us up to the top.

There are two cars moving at the same time, with a place in the middle for passing.

From the top, we hiked back down.  The views were spectacular and the rocks very interesting.

After we were back to the basilica area, we had free time to eat or shop.  There was a local farmers market.

From there, we took the Funicular down the mountain.

After these people got out, we all got in. Again, there were gorgeous views.

The bus driver and mini-bus met us at the bottom and we headed back into Barcelona.  Another wonderful day!