Open air museum

This route leads us around the most important monuments and areas in the Sanctuary of Montserrat. No one wishing to discover the very heart of Montserrat should miss this tour, which takes visitors to the basilica and to worship Our Lady, as well as enabling them to discover architectural and sculptural heritage that illustrates Montserrat’s history.

This walk brings us into contact for the first time with the mountain of Montserrat. The paths along this route, which runs very close to the sanctuary, present no difficulty at all. There are a few uphill stretches, that are unavoidable if we are to enjoy the magnificent views over the monastery and the mountain. This is the old path that pilgrims used to take to Montserrat.

Twisting and turning, this route, with splendid panoramic views, is flanked by monuments symbolising the Mystery of the Rosary. These monuments form the most important group of outdoor Modernist (Art Nouveau) sculptures in Catalonia, ending at the Santa Cova, a chapel where, according to legend, shepherds found the image of Our Lady. There are no difficult sections along this walk apart from a steep ascent along one stretch, which can be avoided by taking the funicular railway.

The first section on this route comprises a tour of the Monastery buildings. It then continues along a shady path through rich vegetation to a long balcony where the rock has been shaped by ceaselessly dripping water. The route features several monuments dedicated to various artists, as well as majolica offerings to Our Lady. This easy walk leads us northwards, frequently providing splendid panoramic views of the Bages plain and the Pyrenees.