National Geographic Day Tour: Hiking Montserrat Holy Mountain
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Port
Barcelona, Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$289.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Montserrat Mountain, the most sacred mountain in Catalonia, invites you to explore its geological wonders and religious significance. Known for its jagged rock formations, this natural spectacle symbolizes the region's geographical diversity. Your adventure begins with a scenic rack railway ride, ascending over 1,900 feet (600 meters) to reach the monastery. The railway is a sustainable option and offers stunning views along the way.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a National Geographic-trained guide and a geologist, who will accompany you on a walk along one of the historic pilgrim trails. As you journey through this UNESCO Global Geopark, your knowledgeable guide will explain the mountain's formation and features, highlighting both its geological and religious importance. The trek to Sant Miquel Cross includes some uphill stretches, rewarding you with breathtaking vistas of Montserrat Mountain and the monastery.
You’ll learn about the rocks of Montserrat, formed from pebbles bound together by natural cement made of sand and clay, making them resistant to erosion. Over time, weather and natural forces have shaped these rocks into unique monolithic formations, around which many legends have been created to explain their origins.
Your tour concludes with an inside visit to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery, where you can admire Our Lady of Montserrat, a renowned 12th-century Romanesque carving of Madonna and Child, affectionately known as La Moreneta. Montserrat Mountain today embodies one of the strongest symbols of Catalan identity, and you will gain a deeper appreciation of Catalonia's unique geological heritage and religious traditions.
After your walk and visit to the monastery, take some well-deserved time to relax with your lunch box and enjoy the stunning views.
Notes: Wear comfortable Hiking Shoes, Sunscreen, Water, Hat. The hiking route is along gravel and sand paths, which may be uneven with some uphill. Flat at the Monastery with approximately 20 steps to visit La Moreneta.