A Day Trip to Montserrat 

Montserrat is a unique high peaked mountain on the outskirts of Barcelona and also the site of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Known for enshrining the Virgin of Montserrat, this 4,000 foot mountain is just an hour's drive away from the city. I booked a tour with Julia travels (http://www.juliatravel.com/) to enjoy the short trip. Our tour guide was very informative and helpful. He sat in the front seat of the bus and gave a brief of the history of the city, some instructions and also made sure we dint sleep on the way!

I absolutely loved the drive to Montserrat as it was away from the city madness. We entered a quiet patch where greyish colored mountains welcomed us. I knew I would somehow love this Catalan holy site.

View from Montserrat

There was a big souvenir shop and cafe on the entrance. The souvenirs were beautiful but over priced. The architecture was alluring and unlike any I had seen recently! 

Upon entering, a huge line of colored prayer candles stood on an alley to anyone who wished to light and pray. It was so divine and calm!

Inside the Basilica

The interior of the Basilica, just to the right of the monastry, was amazing. There was a line of stalls outside the monastry which sold home made cakes and fresh wine. I tasted different types of wine on the way back. All in all a scenic place and a must visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life!

A traveler tip- You can also book a train to Montserrat from the Espanya railway station and reach the base of the mountain from where a cable car takes you up.