Montserrat

Took a day trip by train from Barcelona's Plaça d'Espanya station and subsequently by cable car to Montserrat, the mountainous home of the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. This holy place hosts the Virgin of Montserrat where pilgrims come from all over Europe to touch her statue  and to receive her blessings. As it is such a rare opportunity, I took my place in line with the rest to do so. 

From the abbey, the funicular railway goes up to the top of the mountain which consisted of little caves, once the abodes of reclusive monks. It was a sight to behold at the top but it left me breathless not from the magnificent view but from hiking up the long and winding road . I wasn't really prepared physically in terms of warm clothing or in terms of fitness. Nevertheless, I just managed to with great effort.



Taking a cable car up to Montserrat

Strange potato shape mountains of Montserrat

Home of the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat

The Black Virgin Mary is located where the 2 ladies in red are seen.

The Black Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus of Montserrat

The entrance to the abbey