"Day visit to Montserrat"
While we were waiting for the train, Funicular, Darrin took some photos of the mountain view from afar.
What he zoomed in on is... ↓
On the train to Montserrat from Plaza Espanya, Barcelona
It's only one hour North West from Barcelona by train.
We arrived at Monistrol de Montserrat in an hour, and we were waiting for the Funicular railway brings us up to the mountain.
While we were waiting for the train, Funicular, Darrin took some photos of the mountain view from afar.
What he zoomed in on is... ↓
Funicular to Monastery Montserrat
The Funicular going up to the Monastery stands at 725m high above sea level.
Cremallera de Montserrat railway station near the Monestary
From here all points in the Shrine are accessible.
Darrin taking the Funicular in a hurry
From the abbey, the Funicular de Sant Joan goes up to the top of the mountain. It just takes 7 mins.
In the Funicular
The funicular provides a splendid panoramic view with transparent roofs.
Hiking the path from Sant Joan to Sant Jeroni which is one of the main peaks
Sant Joan's Chapel on the hill
It is said to be a restaurant during early 1900s and fell into disuse in the 1970s. Ohhh, I don't think it's good idea to eat and drink at the restaurant on the edge of a sheer precipice.
(/ㅡ_-)/~
Spectacular views from Sant Joan Nature Centre
Unusual rock formations
The rocky mountain and the Sagrada Familia towers look alike.
It is known that Antoni Gaudi often came to Montserrat to get inspired by nature, then he created numerous unique architectural works by reinterpreting.
Lunch time!
As we heard there is no good place to eat in the mountain, we prepared some food for lunch.
Sant Joan Funicular
This is the steepest funicular in Spain with a maximum gradient of 65%. ('' )( '');;;
Basilica
It was consecrated in 1592 and started as the Mother of Christ, which it became one of the best known shrine for Christian and the most prestigious shrine in Catalonia.
Our Lady
This statue is usually called Black Mary due to the black color of her face which is effected from candle smoke and smoke of lamps. During the Napoleonic wars, the French destroyed most of the Monetary except for Our Lady well hidden somewhere in the mountain.
As some ritual gesture, people kiss or touch her right hand, which holds a sphere as a symbol of the universe. I tried it as well.
Stunning view of Santa Maria Square surrounded by mother nature
Exterior of the Hotel Abat Cisneros
It was built in 1563 for lodging pilgrims.
It's time to go back to Barcelona!
(*^-^)
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