'''Montserrat''' is a mountain top monastery in Catalonia, Spain. Situated atop an unusual rock mountain, it is very popular among Catalans, and Catholic pilgrims come from far and wide to see the Black Madonna.
Official Site
Link to official site of Montserrat: [http://www.montserratvisita.com/?go=6b0419701c53a8c06002899e506189cbb75ded1990f29ce65c73dd04e60480c648d665c5eedcc70ca9041ad7dbe5323eb68485a50d572a956342b21686fe7767d0fbd1c365bcbb62]
Get in
Montserrat is situated approx 30 miles away from Barcelona, and is easily accessible by train, car and bus. [http://www.cremallerademontserrat.com/website_cremallera/eng/]
By train
Travelling from Barcelona, take Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (R5 Line) from Placa d'Espanya to Montserrat-Aeri. Timetable: [http://www.fgc.net/horaris2004/horaris/index_horaris.asp]
From Montserrat-Aeri, take the cable car up, or go to the next stop for the funicular railway.
By bus
Buses from Barcelona leave from the Placa de la Universitat in the morning.
By car
Get around
The only way to get around the Montserrat monastery complex is on foot (it's not too big though!)
See
The fantastic views over the local landscape
Look around the impressive buildings
Do
Take the cable car ride up - definitely not for the faint hearted, this cable car is at some height!
Hike around the peaks.
Buy
Eat
Places to eat at Montserrat are limited and expensive but of high quality and good meal choices (cafeteria style), so it's a great idea to bring your own lunch. If you're coming from Barcelona, a good plan is to get up early and head to La Boqueria, the big open market near the head of Las Ramblas, to stock up on sandwich/snack fixin's - bread, cheese, meat, olives, wine, etc.. Pack it up and bring it with you. Mmm...
The marketplace also offers many delectable homemade goods sold by locals, including canned honey, pastries, preserves, cured meat and candy.
Drink
Sleep
Stay Safe
Montserrat is a very large summit, although the town is relatively safe and tourist-friendly, it can be very dangerous for hiking as much of it is unchartered woodland. By all means, if you are traveling with a group, do not stray from them if you decide to go hiking. If you find out that someone has strayed from your group, summon the local authorities.
Get out