Montserrat – a great day trip from Barcelona.
At around 45 minutes from Barcelona, visiting Montserrat is a great day trip from Barcelona, and easily accessible. Montserrat means the serrated mountain, and is in itself a wonder to marvel. If you take the train from Barcelona, which leaves from Plaça Espanya, then you will enjoy some beautiful scenery – basically flat, until all of a sudden a huge rock form juts up from the earth – here you have Montserrat. The train stops in Olessa de Montserrat – the small town at the foot of the mountain. From here you have two methods of transport to take you up to the mountain. First the “cremallera” or “zip train” takes you slowly up the incline – some 2400 feet. The train’s wheels are like toothed cogs that run along a toothed track – just like a zip. However, by far the most spectacular method of transport is the cable car. Amazing views can be enjoyed from the cabin, including the windy roads that licks it’s way up the mount, with coaches and cars admiring the scenery.
At the top is a catholic monastery – built in 1025 – and the main attraction. There is the beautiful cathedral with the famous Black Madonna – discovered in a nearby cave. If you’re lucky or plan ahead, then you can also enjoy the choir singing their haunting melodies inside the cathedral. There are various walks along the breadth of the mountain-top – the Angel walk, the Santa Cova (or Sacred cave, where the Black Madonna was found), and all are easily accessible and enjoyed at leisure. The Monks also have installations such as a self serviced restaurant, gift shop and museum and are very accommodating, although it’s worth remembering that Catalan is their main language.
Montserrat’s history is full of interesting stories and anecdotes – various fires have raged and destroyed many of the chapels and installations and interesting photographs can be seen of the various catastrophes. There is also a funicular train (like a bus on a cable) to take you to the very peak where you can really marvel at the surroundings. As mentioned, the majority of the surrounding area is flat, so the scope for views and some amazing photographs are endless.
About the Author: David writes about Apartments for rent Barcelona and Cheap barcelona apartments.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 11 views | Jul 03 2008
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