Montserrat - Monastery in the Clouds

View from close to the funicular station in Montserrat

As our train departed from Plaça d'Espanya in Barcelona, it was a fine, clear day.

Once we exchanged our train for the cogwheel railway at Monistrol de Montserrat for the ear-popping climb up the mountain, the sky became thick with clouds. We feared that upon reaching the top of Montserrat, our view of the valley below and the monastery itself would be obscured.

We need not have worried.

The train continued its climb and we gasped in awe as we ascended beyond the puffy white clouds towards the centuries-old monastery.

The view from the top was breathtaking, becoming even more spectacular as the clouds dissipated. The monastery itself was nothing short of majestic, a sentry to the passage of time, and a witness of the spiritual heart of Catalonia. And the view behind the monastery, from the hermitages higher up the mountain? Ah, that truly was a sight to behold. You have to see this place. You simply must.

Montserrat Monastery

How to get there

Fly to Barcelona. Trains and buses will take you downtown. Trains for Monistrol de Montserrat leave from Plaça d'Espanya.

There are two ticket options: the 'Trans' ticket, which can be bought from any FGC ticket machine, and the 'Tot' ticket, which can only be bought from the Placa d'Espaya ticket office. The 'Tot' ticket is more expensive as it also includes a buffet lunch. Both can be bought online, but you will still need to go to the Placa d'Espanya ticket office to exchange your online voucher for a magnetic ticket, so we recommend buying it when you get there.

One of the Hermitages above the Monastery

How we did it

Flights: EasyJet from Glasgow to Barcelona.

Hotel: SB Placa Europa

Transport: FGC or TMB to Placa d'Espana, GenCat to Monteserrat

Location: https://w3w.co/tubs.flashed.headgear

View from St John's Funicular

Our top tips

• Remember: it is likely to be colder in Montserrat than Barcelona, so bring at least an extra layer.

• Walking shoes are a must if you go to the top of the mountain and explore the hermitages - the ground is uneven and can be steep.

• Keep a close watch on the time - the last cogwheel train tends to leave in the early evening!