Just outside of Barcelona sits one of the country’s most significant spiritual retreats, and the highest peak in Spain.
With spectacular height, breathtaking views, and in the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey at the center, this thousand-year-old pilgrimage site is a wonderful destination for reconnecting with the Lord.
Read on for your guide to hiking with God on Montserrat.
How to Get to Montserrat
The best times of year to visit are September to November and March to May. You can get to Montserrat by:
- Foot (pilgrimage paths are available)
- Bus
- Train + Cable Car
- Driving
For more information, click here.
The Mountain Town
On the side of the mountain is a beautiful area full of shops and restaurants. A large bridge connects the canyon, leading to the abbey and the base of the trail.
The sights are gorgeous. Just across the valley, you’ll see a cross standing on a lone peak, high above everything else. Truly singular, it reminds us that there is no name above Jesus.
Enjoy the clear skies and gentle winds before you head to the trail.
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Tips for the Hike
For your hike, be sure to get there early in the day. While the trek itself is beginner friendly and pretty short (about one and a half hours to get to the top), it gets hot fast! Start in the morning to keep yourself cool.
What to Bring
For your hike, you’ll need:
- Backpack
- Lightweight layers
- Sneakers or hiking boots
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Phone/camera
- Portable charger
- Water
- Snacks
- Baby wipes
- Meal if you’re having a picnic at the top!
The Funicular
If hiking isn’t your thing, take the funicular! The funicular is a smooth cable railway that takes you up the mountain while giving you sweeping views of everything below.
At Montserrat, there are two:
- The Sant Joan Funicular – Takes you closer to the peak.
- The Santa Cova Funicular – Takes you to the sacred cave of Santa Cova.
The Abbey
After the hike, head to the abbey. It’s a beautiful Benedictine mountain structure, made with marble colonnades and vaulting ceilings. Statues line every yard, and the detail on the basilica takes your breath away.
La Moreneta Statue
Inside is the famous La Moreneta, also known as Our Lady of Montserrat, a statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus as a baby.
The Ave Maria Path
Outside of the main basilica is the Ave Maria Path, or Cami de l’Ave Maria. In this tradition, you light a colored candle for your prayer. Then you set it with the rest, creating a beautiful wall of light.
The Fingers
From the courtyard you can see The Fingers, a rock formation coming up from the mountains. They were named that because they look like the hand of God reaching up from earth.
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Tips
- Remember to stretch before your hike. Don’t start without warming up!
- Layers are your best friend. It will be cool when you start your hike, but it warms up in minutes. Wear something breathable and easy to remove.
- This hike’s difficulty is low. Don’t be afraid—it’s easy for beginners!
- Snacks are a necessity. Bring food along or buy some before you begin!
- Take your time in the Abbey. It’s a beautiful place with hundreds of years of history. Take your time in the Lord’s Presence!
- Remember to bring cash. If you want to light a candle, you’ll need coins.
Summary
Montserrat is a wonderful addition to your visit to Spain. Between hiking, the Abbey, and more, this trip is full of everything you need to feel God’s grace and create beautiful memories.
Thanks for Reading
Which part of this trip is most exciting to you? Share it with us in the comments!
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