In Willy’s plan, we created this route from Monestir de Montserrat to Ermita de Sant Miquel, so that you have many more reasons and routes to do in the province of Barcelona. In this excursion, we will go into the middle of the Bages region, in the heart of Catalonia.
Going to Montserrat is a classic for many, either to ask something to the virgin, live the experience of the rack railway, or enjoy the beautiful views that this wonderful place has to offer. Whatever the reason may be, today we bring you this route that will from the Monestir de Montserrat to the Ermita de Sant Miquel: two places that you can not miss if you visit the Montserrat massif, along with the Creu de Sant Miquel (one of the most spectacular and well-known viewpoints in the area). This excursion, we can find it as one of the routes to do in the Anoia, as one of the best excursions to do in the Baix Llobregat. This is due to the fact that the massif of Montserrat is so large and extensive that it covers different regions (including Bages too).
First, we will arrive at the Monestir de Montserrat. The legend tells of the discovery of the image of the Virgin of Montserrat in the year 880. Hence, this place has become the most important religious symbol of Catalonia, besides being a point of pilgrimage for the large number of believers and tourists who visit this place.
Secondly, we will pass by the Creu de Sant Miquel . Starting from the monastery, and starting from the left of the Abat Oliva square, we find a smooth path that will take us to this second point. This 770-meter viewpoint offers magnificent panoramic views of the Monastery, the Pyrenees and the Llobregat Delta.
Finally, 100m from this second place, we will find the Ermita de Sant Miquel. One of the hermitages that is considered by many to be the oldest building in the Montserrat area. From there, we can rest, take a breath of fresh air, and enjoy a second splendid view, while we have a bite to eat and watch the villages at the foot of the mountain light up.
Monastery of Montserrat
This monastery is located at an altitude of 720 meters on the eastern side of the mountain of the same name. This structure of Gothic architecture houses the throne of the Mare de Déu, sacred patron saint of the Catalans and better known as the brown virgin. This altar was granted as such, after an image of this virgin, dated from the beginning of the century, was found. XIII. From its discovery until the present day, the Montserrat Monastery has become a place of residence for some eighty Benedictine monks, who dedicate their lives to prayer and to welcoming hundreds of parishioners who come here every year.
The Monastery of MontserratThe most characteristic feature of this place is the nature and the imposing mountain where it was built, besides being the ideal mountain for hikers who are looking for the best views of the mountains and the most beautiful landscapes. original routes to do in CataloniaThe area is also a great place for cyclists who enjoy riding along its incredible and spectacular trails.
Creu de Sant Miquel of Montserrat
The Creu de Sant Miquel will be our second stop, and we will find it through the famous path of Sant Miquel (the one we mentioned above that is accessed from the left of the Abat Oliva square, right next to the Monastery of Montserrat).
Along the way until reaching the final destination (the hermitage that bears the same name as the road), we can enjoy incredible views of the entire landscape that we are leaving on our left, being able to stop in some small squares to admire the views quietly.
The path that we will be traveling (the path of Sant Miquel), was of utmost importance in medieval times, as it was the famous access route to the Monastery of Montserrat, starting from Collbató (at the foot of the mountain), and it was not until they reached the Hermitage of Sant Miquel, that they saw the monastery for the first time.
So, coming from the Plaza de Abat Oliva, and about 100 meters before reaching the famous Chapel, we must turn left to reach the famous Cross of Sant Miquel: a spectacular viewpoint located at 770 meters high, from which you can see the magnificent views of the monastery of Montserrat, the Ebro delta and the Pyrenees.
It is an iron cross located on a balcony, which is accessed only by a single path, where we can take some pictures to immortalize the moment.
Hermitage of Sant Miquel de Montserrat
And finally, after having taken some pictures at the famous Creu de Sant Miquel, we will arrive at our final destination: the Ermita de Sant Miquel.
This chapel or hermitage will be our third and last point where we will finish the route that we propose. In it, we will have incredible views of the landscape that we leave at our feet, as well as we can take the opportunity to eat something that we have brought from home (You can not access inside the chapel, as it is closed).
However, this should not be the final destination for adventurers. If you wish, you can follow the path that goes up to the top of the massif, finding an hour away the Montserrat funicular at the top, if we want to take it and descend comfortably.
