The "Creu de Sant Miquel" from the Monastery of Montserrat

On this route we will walk along a part of the historic pilgrimage route to the monastery of Montserrat, while contemplating spectacular views, without even realising it, we will reach the Creu de Sant Miquel. Here we will be able to contemplate another perspective of the sacred enclosure and 360º views of the surroundings.

Summary

From the monastery grounds, the paved path of "Sant Miquel" starts out. Gradually, it will lead us upwards between religious monuments and areas dedicated to rest or spiritual contemplation. A pleasant stroll will take you to the Creu de Sant Miquel viewpoint and its incredible views.

Technical specifications

Distance: 1.4 km

Cumulative difference in altitude: 80 m

Duration: 25 to 35 minutes (one way)

Difficulty: a short walk with hardly any gradient that runs entirely along a track.

Water points: bars and shops in the monastery

Suggestions: Possibility to combine with a visit to the Santa Cova or take the Sant Joan Funicular and access the Pla de les Taràntules. From here we can visit the hermitages of Sant Joan and Sant Onofre.

Recommended equipment: Comfortable clothes, water and some food, sun protection and a walking stick for the climbs.

How to get there?

The starting point of this tour is the Montserrat Monasterywhich you have different ways of accessing:

– By car by road from Monistrol (9 kms) or from El Bruc (14kms). In total, 60 kms from Barcelona. The parkingThe campsite, which runs parallel to the BP - 1121 access road to the monastery, fills up very easily on public holidays. Price: 6,50€/day.

– In the "aeri"This "aeri" is an aerial cabin or basket that takes five minutes and costs €8.6 one way and €13 return (adult). There are two ways to get there, by car or by FGC, and get off at the "Aeri de Montserrat" stop.

– In the Zip: This train takes 15 minutes. Price: €8.1 one way and €13.50 return (adult). The rack railway stop can be reached by the FGC, at the stop at Monistrol de Montserrat or by car, leaving it at the parking free of charge.

Itinerary

(0 h 00 min; 0 km) Montserrat Monastery(724 m)

If you arrive by car, you will have to climb a little up the road. If you arrive by plane, you will also have to climb a few metres, while the rack railway will leave you a little higher up. We go up towards the Plaça Abad Oliba, where we find the entrance to the monastery grounds, several shops and a large yew tree in the middle. The monastery was founded in 1025 and houses a community of Benedictine monks and the choir of choirboys. Inside the monastery is the original carving of the "The Virgin Mary".Moreneta"Legend has it that some shepherds found it in the "Santa Cova" in the 9th century. There is a museum, restaurants, cafés, hotels... Here we take a cobbled path uphill through some cedar and holm oak woods. On our right we will see the Santa Cova Funicular stop and a little later the road to the Miranda de Fra Garí. In Montserrat, we find many "mirandas", these names refer to high peaks where we can contemplate extensive views. In Latin it would mean "worthy of being admired". Along the route we will see small squares to rest. We can also see sculptures, the first one representing Pau Casals, which was inaugurated in 1976 on the 100th anniversary of the birth of this great Catalan musician. We pass the camping area on our left, while we contemplate views of the neighbouring pre-coastal mountain range of Sant Llorenç del Munt. Here we see the second sculpture, dedicated to Saint Francis, the saint of animals. We pass a barrier, the gate of Sant Miquel, which is unusual, but park vehicles drive through here.

(0 h 20 min; 1.2 km) Turn-off "Creu de Sant Miquel".(815 m). We descend a few metres, while contemplating the views of the monastery to our left.

(0 h 25 min; 1.4 km) Creu de Sant Miquel. 774 mFrom the foot of this fabulous iron cross, we can contemplate 360º views. The views embrace, from the Pyrenees, the pre-coastal mountain ranges of Puigventòs and Sant Llorenç del Munt. In the background, the coastal mountain range of Collserola and the Llobregat delta.

Now all we have to do is retrace our steps and explore other nooks and crannies of the monastery grounds.