The mountain Montserrat is known far beyond the borders of Spain. It has already been visited by millions of travelers and pilgrims from all over the world. The beauty of these places is celebrated by poets and musicians, and artists come here to draw inspiration. Montserrat is so extraordinary that it can evoke different emotions – delight and awe, tranquility and irresistible excitement, any emotions, but indifference!
The mountain is unusual in everything – from its appearance to the unique historical buildings located at its summit, which will be given a separate story. The tour will not be limited to visiting this amazing open-air monument. After viewing the incredible, ‘artistically carved’ mountain range created by nature itself, you will be able to head to a place where guests are welcomed with hospitality, traditional Spanish snacks, and delicious wines.
This place is the wine cellars of the Torres family. Their visit will be a relaxing conclusion to a day trip that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark in your memory.
Stone idols and a Catholic shrine
From your hotel, you will travel about 50 kilometers in a comfortable car before the breathtaking jagged mountains of Montserrat come into view.
They stand like stone giant-idols, guarding the entrance to the male monastery of the same name, which has become a Catalan religious center. Built over 1000 years ago by the famous religious figure Abbot Oliva, it is a permanent refuge for monks who spend day after day in prayer and constant labor.
The monastery complex has been destroyed multiple times during wars but was rebuilt from the 19th to the 20th century. The guide during the tour will certainly take time to tell the fascinating story of how the great Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí is connected to this truly unique structure.
What awaits you during the tour
- You will enter the basilica, where the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary is located. Even today, crowds of the suffering come here, wishing to be healed from infertility, improve their health, find love, believing that they will receive what they desire after touching the image.
- You will be able to enjoy the sound of the angelic voices of the famous boys’ choir at the monastery. The Escolania de Montserrat choir is so popular that sometimes parishioners have to reserve seats hours in advance to listen to their Divine singing.
And here, almost at every step, there are viewing platforms, narrow winding paths, and incredible nerve-wracking descents. You can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the green massifs and rocky terrain of the Natural Park in several ways:
- Take the funicular leading to the summit of Saint John.
- Use a more unconventional descent – the cable car.
In any case, at the foot of the mountain, a car will be waiting for you, which will quickly take you to the next destination within this day trip.
Torres Wine Cellars
Perhaps this will be the best conclusion to an amazing, emotionally rich adventure – getting acquainted with the traditions of the wine-growing region, an exciting tour of the winery with a mandatory tasting of the famous wines.
From the guide, you will learn the centuries-old history of the noble winemaking family Torres, which passes down through generations the secrets and traditions of making Spanish wines. You will stroll along lush vineyards, visit the winemaking production, descend into the cellars, where you can feel the aroma of all of Catalonia – plum, blackberry, citrus, and even the smell of the sea.
You will also visit the museum, and this tour will end with a tasting of the finest wines produced by the Torres winery.
