Montserrat Monastery & Museum Montserrat, the spiritual emblem of Catalonia. Montserrat Mountains are a region about a 45 minute drive away. From the bus, we enjoy spectacular scenery and see the Monastery site perched on rocky slopes high above the Montserrat National Park. We get a guided visit to the Museum that houses a collection of artwork that include paintings by local Spanish & Catalan artists as well as Caravaggio. El Greco, Dali, Picasso and Tapies. Later, visit the Benedictine Abbey which hosts the 12th Century Romanesque carving of the Our Lady of Montserrat, a Black Madonna the patron saint of Catalonia, visited by many pilgrims.
In afternoon, we take have some free time to explore Barcelona using your T10 transit card for public transport. Before dinner, have an art lecture with the group. Our special guide provides an insight into Modernist Catalan art, architecture & culture (Gaudi, Miro, Tapies, Dali....) and the more traditional aspects of art and life we will see in Madrid, later in the tour.
My Observations
The day started a bit overcast and cloudy. As we got near to the Montserrat mountain, we saw the clouds were at times below us. Were we in heaven? Don’t think so, but would have been great to “check things out” before I make the trip (-:
Our guide provided by the monastery did a great presentation of various areas of the facility – of course, included the gift shop. There – she pointed out – we could get recordings of the world known boys choir. I made note of some special titles she cited. Got 2 on our way out.
Our view from the mountain was gorgeous. The weather had cleared and you thought you could see to Mediterranean Sea and beyond.
After returning to Barcelona, Joaquin, took us back for another walk of the Rambla. So much too see. Even more to buy (-:
We took the subway there and back from our hotel area. We were cautioned to be aware of pickpockets. Shrewd folks who are perceptive and stealthy in removing your valuables. They watch you buy something, then see where the wallet is put. If easy “bump,” you are sorry.
We went back to Nello’s Bar for a burger with a fried egg on top – yummy. Walked a bit more. In evening, joined the group for restaurant dinner.
Here are internet links for highlights:
Montserrat Monastery http://www.abadiamontserrat.cat/
Montserrat Monastery virtual visit http://visita3d.com/montserrat
Montserrat Mountains http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/montserrat
Our Lady of Montserrat http://www.sacred-destinations.com/spain/shrine
T10 transit card http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/T10card
Photo 1. Is the Catalan language daily newspaper.
Photo 2. Rental bicycle stands and kiosks were plentiful. Pickup one place. Drop off at another. Nice.
Photo 3. Our bus ride to Montserrat Monastery was like going to heaven – above the clouds. (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day8Of2720Oct14MondayBarcelonaMonserrat
