Legend has it that in the 9th century, shepherds claimed to have spotted the image of the black Madonna in a cave on Montserrat. The original carving was discovered and removed by local religious figures, then first church, followed by the monastery, was established in the 11th century. By the 12th century, news spread far and wide of the miracles of Montserrat. The monastic community settled, which prompted pilgrims from around the world to flock to the sacred mountain, as they still do today. The Monastery of the Virgin was founded in 1025, was reconstructed various times, destroyed by Napoleon in 1811 and finally rebuilt in the late 19th and early 20th century by the Catalan Modernist masters, including Gaudí, himself. It is, in fact, one of the key inspirations to Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia.
Our Montserrat & Wine Tours bring this unique, almost spiritual experience to life and combine it with a remarkable lunch of Catalan fare, followed by an exclusive visit and tasting at a small vineyard in the Penedès wine region.
Gothic and Modernist art and architecture, astounding rock formations, unbeatable views and exceptional food and wine tasting!
Our Spanish Trails® Montserrat Tours with Wine Country Tastings are well-rounded, all-inclusive, daylong experiences for travelers of all ages and interest levels. The day begins with a guided visit at the impressive Monastery of Montserrat, located 50 minutes west of Barcelona (standing at an unexpected 725 mts. / 2378 ft. above sea level). Travelers will also be given the opportunity of hearing the famous Boys’ Choir perform (most days), visiting the “Moreneta de Montserrat” (one of the black Madonnas of Europe) and a light walk to Santa Cova, where the black Madonna is said to have originally been found and rescued. Explorers will then depart Montserrat and enjoy a fantastic lunch of local Catalan country cuisine in a traditional restaurant at the base of Montserrat, followed by a private field tour, guided visit, and three-product wine and cava tasting at one of the premier boutique wineries.
Montserrat & Wine private day trips are guided by one of our fun, informative guides who give you a great, detailed explanation of the history of Montserrat, as well as the history of the region of Catalunya. Like all Spanish Trails® day trips, Montserrat & Wine Day Tours are easily catered to both young and older visitors, to those with or without specific religious interest, and to both wine connoisseurs and wine “enthusiasts.” A truly fantastic and authentic day outside of the city during your visit to Barcelona!
