TRIP TO MONTSERRAT

Except for the few moments I thought I was going to die – my fear of heights might have a little bit to do with it – our trip to Montserrat was a great success. This mountain near the city of Barcelona offers spectacular views, sacred sites and some truly terrifying hiking paths.

Note to self: don’t hit your knee so hard in the bus that it actually gets swollen, right before spending an entire day walking in the mountains…

The original plan was to blindly follow the Erasmus group, guiding us in the mountains, but we soon lost the group and went on our own. We first took the Funicular de Sant Joan, taking us to the top of the mountain. After this, it would only take us a couple of minutes to reach the highest point – or so they said. At a crossroads, we decided to go for the short way, not knowing this was not exactly the easiest one. It was a creepy little steep path, with nothing to hold on to, loose rocks flying away underneath our feet. And don’t forget the swollen knee I was carrying along… 

 

This is where we climbed up the mountain. Let’s zoom in. 

 

Don’t look down… don’t look down…

 

Although I wouldn’t say the views are worth dying for, they were still breathtaking. Once I calmed down after this sort of near death experience, I was actually able to enjoy the wide open landscape, oddly shaped mountain peaks, fresh air and clear blue sky. 
 

 Also brought my polaroid camera… ;)

Luckily, we found a nice way back that made going down a lot easier. 

And back down again…

Next, we took the funicular de la Santa Cova to take a look at the Santa Cova Chapel. Built in the side of the mountain, this mysterious little chapel dates back to the end of the 17^th century and is a popular pilgrimage destination. Also called “The Holy Grotto”, it was the original site of discovery of the Black Virgin of Montserrat, or La Moreneta in Catalan. Statues depicting biblical scenes, beautifully integrated in the mountain landscape, accompany the trail. The path ends at the little chapel, hiding in the shadow, with a dusky pink, slightly damaged door as its entrance. Not the typical biblical scene, but the characteristic Montserrat mountain peaks are represented in the decorative glasswork. 

A wall dedicated to offerings from visitors to Saint Mary: photographs, dresses, bracelets, religious images, rosaries, a piece of hair (?) and other little objects.

We also paid a visit to the Basilica of Montserrat, cuddled with the cutest little mountain cat and took a few more pictures of the amazing views.

 

 Yep, I ain't going any higher. Fine right here.

Beautiful day!

Again, what a great day! We were so lucky with the weather, the transportation (Erasmus trip by bus for only 15 euros, that’s what I’m talking ‘bout!), and lovely company. I am definitely going here again!

Montserrat can easily be reached from Barcelona: by car, or by train from Plaça Espanya. For a combined ticket to the Funicular of Sant Joan and Santa Cova, we paid 10 euros. Put some good shoes on and you’ll have an unforgettable day.