Day Trip: Montserrat

True to its name, which means “serrated mountain,” Montserrat is a captivating conglomerate of jagged peaks and stone towers, rising 4,000 feet above sea level amidst a moderately hilly landscape. But while the mountain is a marvel in itself—crossed by walking paths that offer sweeping views—most travelers are here to visit the abbey, monastery and chapels perched up amongst the rocks.

The main attraction is Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, with its intricate basilica, a charming square and a small museum where visitors can learn about monastic life and how the strange mountain formed under the sea many millennia ago. Santa Maria has a working abbey and a boys choir school, where boys can attend up until age twelve before returning to normal school systems. At 1:00 p.m. on Mondays and on some evenings, visitors can buy tickets to watch them perform in the cathedral, accompanied by the massive organ. In addition to marveling at the splendors of the basilica (specifically the many hanging lamps, all of which are donated by various groups across Spain), travelers can see the Black Madonna, encased behind glass except for the sphere in her hand, which it is tradition to touch upon passing. The Black Madonna holds a special place for Spanish locals, so much so that many visitors will leave an object or memento as a donation for her.

Visitors to the mountain should take the funicular (or hike if they are so inclined) up to one of the tallest available viewing points on Monserrat to take in the many intricate details of the mountain itself. From there, you have the option to hike up farther to one of the peaks.

Note: Those hoping to also stop by Santa Cecilia monastery will have to visit Montserrat on the weekends, as it is closed during the week.