Visiting Monistrol de Montserrat
This mountain village sits in the province of Barcelona, Catalonia. It draws visitors from across Europe for its iconic abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. It is also an ideal base for those looking to spend time in the outdoors, with terrain that feels as rugged and dramatic as the high-desert landscapes found in parts of Arizona.
A monastery steeped in history
You cannot visit this area without seeing the abbaye Santa Maria de Montserrat, one of the true landmarks of the province. Local legend says that in the year 800, shepherds were guided by an incredible light and a soft melody. Angels reportedly descended to carve the jagged peaks of Montserrat with a golden saw, which serves as a mythic explanation for the mountain's unique, serrated silhouette. Shortly after, a bishop discovered a cave containing an image of the Virgin Mary that no one could move, no matter how hard they tried. A Benedictine abbey was built directly around the site, becoming a major pilgrimage destination by the Middle Ages. Today, it remains a regional focal point. You can explore the Plaça de l'Abat Oliba, the basilica, the Virgin's chamber, and the Chapel of Our Lady. The site also functions as a cultural archive, housing a library of 300,000 volumes, including rare ancient manuscripts. The abbey is also internationally known for its historic boys' choir specializing in Baroque religious music.
Nature in the heart of Catalonia
There is much more to the area than just the abbey. Numerous hiking trails begin at the base of the religious site, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The massif de Montserrat has been a protected natural park since 1987 due to its unique geological heritage. The strange, needle-like rock formations have inspired centuries of local folklore, with many crags named after animals or mythical creatures. Hikers who keep a sharp eye out may spot the local wildlife, including wild boars, mountain goats, salamanders, peregrine falcons, and wood pigeons. Also, make time to visit the neighboring villages of Collbató, El Bruc, and Marganell for a more quiet, authentic look at local life.
When to go
Plan your trip for the warmer months. This ensures the best conditions for hiking, as mountain weather here can turn cold and unpredictable during the winter.
How to get there
Monistrol de Montserrat is a 50-minute drive from Barcelona. Most travelers fly into the Catalan capital and then take the train to Monistrol de Montserrat. Once you arrive at the base of the mountain, you have two primary options to reach the higher elevations: the cable car or the mountain train, a rack railway that winds its way up the slopes.
You don't necessarily think about it when you head to Catalonia, but taking the train to these craggy mountains, visiting the abbey, and then hiking in the mountains is a plan that will be a radical change from the vibe in Barcelona, for example.