Sunday, December 15, 2019

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!


6 comments:

jacaranda said...

Amazing scenery, beautiful rock cliff faces.

Vireya said...

That looks like a very steep ride up. Amazing views on the hike, and from that last ride across the valley.

Janie said...

Thanks for sharing your photos, breathtaking panoramas!
The inside of the basilica looks awesome. That was one exciting tour.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Such an amazing place to see!!
Merry Christmas
Carol

kiwikid said...

What a wonderful day out Pamela.

Leonore Winterer said...

Wow, those views are spectacular! Good thing you didn't have to hike up all the way.