Excursions through Barcelona
An essential part of the Catalonian identify, it is the spiritual center and guardian of the souls of the Catalonian. Of special interest is the Benedictine Monastery with its 16th century basilica housing the 12th century Romanesque image of La Moreneta, patroness of Catalunya. Montserrat can be reached by car on the Barcelona-Manresa highway and by train from Monistrol. From here the mountain can be ascended by car, by bus (special permanent service) or by cable car from the railroad station.
Forty kilometers from Barcelona, this natural park is the only one in Catalunya declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO. Holm oak, cork oak, oak, beech and pine groves are found. In the woods it is possible to see boars, genets, dormice, a large variety of birds, including birds of prey. Access by A-7 highway Barcelona-La Jonquera, exit Sant Celoni-Montseny. From here take BV-5114 road from Sant Celoni to Viladrau via Sant Fe del Montsseny.
Metropolitan park of Collserola preserves a good example of the Mediterranean forests of pine and oak trees. Spectacular fields of rockrose, heather and broom can also be found on the sunny slopes. Two of the most interesting sights are the Hermitage of Sant Medir and the Natural Reserve of Font Groga.
From Barcelona to the cradle of Catalunya. (110 kilometers). Take N-152 highway to the town of Vic and continue on to Ripoll. The medieval Benedictine monastery was founded by Guifré I, first sovereign Count of Catalunya. Destroyed by fire and ravaged afterwards, only the entrance doorway and the cloister remain from the original building. The majestic mountainous surroundings provide an appropriate backdrop.
Forty kilometers from Barcelona, this park
is a mountainous area with spectacular crags and rocks. There
are more than 1,000 varieties of plants, including rosemary, rockrose,
heather and white pine groves. In the interior, mountain oak,
maple oaks and other types of trees are found, and in the springtime
we can find primrose and violets. Thriving on the highest areas
of the cliffs, we find interesting rupicolous vegetation. Boars,
genets and a large variety of birds, as well as birds of prey,
inhabit the park. Accessed from Barcelona by A-18 highway to Terrassa.
From there, the Talamanca roads goes up the Estenalles pass, where
you can visit Montcau, the second higest peak in the park.
Barcelona guide