BARCELONA, SPAIN

We travel to Montserrat via the Martorell Highway. A splendid view of the Llobregat Valley opens up before us and sights of Monistrol linger in the background. The rugged Montserrat mountain range is one of Spain’s most picturesque areas.

We travel to Montserrat via the Martorell Highway. A splendid view of the Llobregat Valley opens up before us and sights of Monistrol linger 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. Montserrat Monestery is located in the middle of the mountains, a unique work of art. It seems that 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 that caused the inland Sea to disappear, leaving the rock formation exposed to a process of erosion. At a height of 725 metres (2,380 feet), the Montserrat Monastery stands on a natural platform. The Basilica’s construction 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 when the community congregates here (not during our visit). On the vault are paintings by Llimona depicting the adoration of Catalonia for ‘La Moreneta’, the Black Madonna of Montserrat. After our visit here, and enjoying the spectacular views, we return to the ship.

There is approximately 1 hour of walking, over cobblestones and uphill. We do not recommend this tour for passengers with limited mobility. Please note that at times the Monastery can be very busy, and as a result it may not always be possible to see the Black Madonna up close.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES