Montserrat

Yesterday I embarked on a popular day trip to Montserrat, about 45 minutes outside of Barcelona. Montserrat, known as the "serrated mountain" got its name from it's unique rock formation. Warning to those who hate heights: this trip may not be for you. As our tour bus wound around the mountain, going up and up, the views only got better. From the small town in the middle of the mountain, we took the Sant Joan Funicular (train) up to a point where hiking paths branched out from. Our group spent hours hiking up, down, and around Montserrat.  As I looked out, upon what seemed to be all of Barcelona, I could see the Pyrenees, which is the mountain range that divides Spain and France. Our tour guide pointed out that if there wasn't so much fog in the distance we would have also been able to see the Mediterranean Sea. It was one of those experiences that is so amazing, you have to share it with people. And after you experience it, all you can do is encourage others to see it for themselves.

After hiking at inclines that made your butt burn and managing to survive the most treacherous stairs carved out of rock, we went into the museum and monastery.  


The museum held artwork by Il Caravaggio, El Greco, Casas, Pisarro, Monet, and Picasso.  After seeing some remarkable pieces of art, we got to see the famous monastery of Montserrat. The beauty of it is hard to explain, but everything about this place was stunning. Plus, it holds the precious "Black Virgin," a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus that is now placed behind a glass case.  


Montserrat has so much to offer to those who take full advantage of its natural and historical beauty. I've got to say that this IES trip was worth every penny (and you can't always say that). So, thanks IES for providing me with a Saturday I hope to never forget.