I hope to do a daytrip to Montserrat from Barcelona. How many hours should we allot & are their any of-the-beaten path sites to see once we are actually at the monastery? Thanks RS helpers!
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Patton - Last year the day trip to Montserrat took us most of the day - we were back by late afternoon. If you want to stand in line to touch the famous Black Virgin, that could take an hour or so. Other than seeing the basilica, take the funiculars. There are plenty of outdoor places to walk to and explore inlcuding the Santa Cava. Just the cable car trip up to the monastery is quite an adventure.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
It will take most of a day if you do it up right and throw in a hike or two up above the monastery. The monastery setting is about as spectacular as you're going to find, right out of a movie set. I'd consider taking the vows if I could live in this place (although my wife might not be in favor of that, or maybe she would, hmmmm).After you see the Black Virgin, for something off the beaten path you can continue up the Sant Joan funicular (that's the spelling) which continues another 60 stories or so above the monastery--from the top of that funicular, walk 20 mins to Sant Joan chapel and the beginning of several good hikes. Here's a pic to get you in the mood: Montserrat MonasteryIt's about 30 miles northwest of Barcelona. You need detailed instructions on how to get there from Barcelona, like the kind in Rick's book.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
we went to montserrat last may, and it took us all day and we did it all, the monastery, the black virgin, the funiculars and the hike. it was great, only tip i have to give you is bring lots of water for the hike! here is their official website www.abadiamontserrat.net/angles/index.htm
we took the sant joan funicular and then the sant jeromi trail, and it took at least 2 hours but was a beautiful hike.
Posted by
OP
Prague
65 posts
Thanks for the advice! I am really excited; in fact we chose to visit Barcelona because of its proximity to Montserrat.
Posted by
Tulsa, OK, USA
126 posts
We visited Montserrat in September of 2007. I most enjoyed the spectacular rock formations. If you are into nature, then your favorite part about the visit will be the hikes and views. We stayed in the dormitories which were very institutional, but clean. We felt the Monastery was a little over-rated (however, we are not Catholic, and perhaps that would make a difference) but don't regret the visit for the great topography. Besure to click into Kent's link above for a very true to life picture. Nice work Kent! We saw what we wanted to see in approx 4 hours.