Montserrat
Mediterranean Excursions
- £35-45
- 4.5 hours
- Medium/Hard
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Take in the rugged Montserrat mountain range – one of Spain’s most picturesque areas.
Take in the rugged Montserrat mountain range – one of Spain’s most picturesque areas.
Departing the quayside, we travel to Montserrat via the Matorell Highway. A splendid view of the Llobregat Valley will open up before us, with sights of Monistrol lingering in the background.
The rugged Montserrat mountain range is one of Spain’s most picturesque areas. Like jagged teeth, the mysterious peaks soar skywards. They have inspired many legends and motivated Wagner to write some of his most beautiful arias. Upon arrival, we can enjoy refreshments at a local restaurant, before continuing to the monastery.
Montserrat Monastery is located in the middle of the mountains, a unique work of art. It seems that around 20 to 25 million years ago, a small inland sea shaped the rock formations, which later became the mountainous relief known as Montserrat. The earth’s movements produced a progressive uplift, which caused the inland sea to disappear, leaving the rock formation exposed to a process of erosion. Situated approximately 725 metres (2,380 feet), Montserrat Monastery stands on a natural platform.
The construction of the Basilica began in the 16th century, when Father Garriga was Abbot of Montserrat. The large interior has a rather sober appearance, with the altar at the end of the nave, which is surrounded by the choir (we will not see the choir during our visit). On the vault are paintings by Llimona, depicting the adoration of Catalonia for ‘La Moreneta’ – the Black Madonna of Montserrat.
Following our visit here and after enjoying the spectacular views, we return to our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking over cobbled and uneven ground and inclines. There are a few steps to negotiate at the refreshment venue. Unfortunately this tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Please note that the Monastery can be very busy at times, and as a result, it may not be possible to view the Black Madonna up close. Religious practice requires shoulders and knees to be covered when entering the Basilica.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
The rugged Montserrat mountain range is one of Spain’s most picturesque areas. Like jagged teeth, the mysterious peaks soar skywards. They have inspired many legends and motivated Wagner to write some of his most beautiful arias. Upon arrival, we can enjoy refreshments at a local restaurant, before continuing to the monastery.
Montserrat Monastery is located in the middle of the mountains, a unique work of art. It seems that around 20 to 25 million years ago, a small inland sea shaped the rock formations, which later became the mountainous relief known as Montserrat. The earth’s movements produced a progressive uplift, which caused the inland sea to disappear, leaving the rock formation exposed to a process of erosion. Situated approximately 725 metres (2,380 feet), Montserrat Monastery stands on a natural platform.
The construction of the Basilica began in the 16th century, when Father Garriga was Abbot of Montserrat. The large interior has a rather sober appearance, with the altar at the end of the nave, which is surrounded by the choir (we will not see the choir during our visit). On the vault are paintings by Llimona, depicting the adoration of Catalonia for ‘La Moreneta’ – the Black Madonna of Montserrat.
Following our visit here and after enjoying the spectacular views, we return to our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking over cobbled and uneven ground and inclines. There are a few steps to negotiate at the refreshment venue. Unfortunately this tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Please note that the Monastery can be very busy at times, and as a result, it may not be possible to view the Black Madonna up close. Religious practice requires shoulders and knees to be covered when entering the Basilica.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
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Snack or meal provided
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Refreshments available
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Free time
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Shopping opportunity
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Wheelchair access
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Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
