La Moreneta<\/em>, due to its dark tone. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe origin of the sanctuary dates back to the late 9th century, when, according to the legend, a group of shepherds found an image of the Virgin of Montserrat. While the exact dates are uncertain, it is believed that the monastery was founded in the early 12th Century. You\u2019ll find La Moreneta<\/em> in the Monastery\u2019s basilica. <\/p>\n\n\n\nOther areas worth checking out are:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\nThe Monastery\u2019s cloister, as well as its library, which features a collection of over 300,000 volumes and its own publishing house. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nMontserrat also features the oldest boys\u2019 choir in Europe, which can still be heard during mass at the basilica, throughout the week and on Sundays. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhile you can get access tickets directly at Montserrat, we recommend reserving beforehand online, as lines tend to build up. Visitors who come on our Montserrat & Cava Winery Tour will get to explore the heritage site with an expert guide that provides an in-depth overview on the Monastery\u2019s religious and historical significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDid you really visit Montserrat if you didn’t see the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery? Photo credit: Sung Shin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Museum of Montserrat<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAnother spot that is worth checking out is Montserrat\u2019s museum, El Museu de Montserrat, which houses a significant portion of the artistic and archaeological patrimony of the monastery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located on the way up to Plaza de Santa Mar\u00eda, it boasts 6 different permanent collections, with the oldest piece being an Egyptian sarcophagus from the 22nd century B.C. Here, you can see a wide range of exhibits, from the iconography of Santa Mar\u00eda de Montserrat to paintings by artists as diverse as Dal\u00ed, Fortuny, or El Greco. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGet lost admiring the artwork at Montserrat Museum. Photo credit: Donacio Pere Sensat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Hikes<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor those looking for adventure, Montserrat offers a number of trails where you can appreciate the peculiar, breathtaking landscape. The difficulty of the routes range from easy to moderate, lending options for every type of hiker – from those who are just starting out, to more experienced excursionists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easy\/Moderate: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nFor those looking for a less strenuous option, we recommend hiking up to La Creu de Sant Miquel, which is approximately 1hr to 1.5hrs (roughly 3km round-trip) and provides panoramic views of the monastery and surrounding areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nAnother moderate option is to take the Cam\u00ed de la Santa Cova, which is a scenic path that leads you to the Holy Cave, where La Moreneta<\/em> was found, and features beautiful chapels and statues along the way. The trip will take around 1hr and is approximately 2km round-trip, though it is a bit steeper than La Creu de Sant Miquel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nModerate\/Difficult<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nFor those who are looking for a longer and more difficult trajectory, we recommend hiking up the Sant Jeroni trail, which will lead you up to the highest peak of Montserrat at 1,236 meters (4,055 feet), and offers panoramic views of Catalonia and even the distant Pyrenees. The duration is around 3hrs, and is approximately 7.5km round-trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWith views like these, hiking in Montserrat, Spain is worth it. Photo credit: WeLoveBarcelona.de<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Farmer\u2019s Market<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMontserrat\u2019s mercadillo<\/em> (farmer\u2019s market) situated near the Monastery, is composed of charming stalls that showcases the rich agricultural heritage of the region. Despite being relatively small in size, Montserrat and its surrounding areas produce various notable products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\nFor example, you\u2019ll be able to find everything from Olesa de Montserrat\u2019s renowned extra virgin olive oil to vilamerics<\/em>, a variety of chickpea from Monistrol, or even tom\u00e0quet de Montserrat<\/em>, the region\u2019s emblematic pink-hued tomato.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll also find a wide range of local cheeses, many of which are made from goat’s milk. Be sure to try reques\u00f3n<\/em> or mat\u00f3<\/em>, two catalan cheeses of the region which are both featured in Catalonia\u2019s oldest preserved cookbook, the Sent Sovi.<\/em> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\nOther notable products include cocas<\/em> (typical Catalan flatbreads), mountain bee honey, and Aromes de Montserrat <\/em>\u2013a locally-made liquor which combines twelve different herbs, distilled carefully in copper alembics and naturally matured in oak barrels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n Insider Tip: <\/em><\/strong>Stock up on local goods at the stalls and then take them to the picnic area for a locally-sourced outdoor lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGrab snacks from the Montserrat farmers market and eat them at a viewpoint nearby. Photo credit: DimiTalen <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Where to eat in Montserrat, Spain<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Restaurant Abat Cisneros<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a sit-down lunch spot in Montserrat, head to Restaurant Abat Cisneros, which is housed inside a building that used to be the stables for the monastery in the 16th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They feature a repertoire of classic Catalan dishes, you can opt for their fixed menu or go a la carte.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Montserrat restaurants you can find typical Catalan dishes. Photo credit: Tony Canaj<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>BO2<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you made the journey by car, we recommend heading over to the village of Monistrol de Montserrat to try BO2 \u2013 a spot that offers an inventive approach to tapas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the menu you\u2019ll find items that harmoniously blend Catalan flavors with international influences like black cod fritters with kimchi, stilton croquettes with a pedro xim\u00e9nez reduction or even a rice dish with butifarra<\/em>, foie, and truffle.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPatatas bravas<\/em> are a Spanish classic you need to try. Photo credit: Angel Santos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Casual Dining<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor more casual dining options, head to Montserrat\u2019s Cafeteria, Bar de la Pla\u00e7a, or the Montserrat Buffet where you\u2019ll find a selection of prepared dishes, sandwiches, cakes, snacks, and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also opt to make use of the picnic area and enjoy the magnificent views over the mountain whilst having your meal al-fresco<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to try a classic sandwich, give the jamon bocadillo a try.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>Wineries<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Montserrat region is also home to several excellent bodegas<\/em>. These produce a variety of high-quality wines, benefiting from the unique
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