Montserrat Half Day Tour from Barcelona**9:15am Departure**

Start your half day trip from Barcelona in a comfortable bus to the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,236 meters). The rocks of Montserrat were formed by natural cement of sand during the centuries. The wind and rain shaped the mountain with strange and varied forms. Some have seen human or animal shapes in some of these peaks, giving those names and inventing legends to explain their fantastic origins. This trip to Montserrat will give you the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful and breathtaking views of the Montserrat Mountain, one of nature’s special creations. You will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, also called Santa Maria de Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta (the Black Virgin). You will be able to see this famous statue of the Black Virgin from a distance. The Benedict sanctuary of Montserrat has been founded in 1025 and provides a mystical backdrop for the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia who is enshrined in the monastery's Royal Basilica. The little monastery soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin. Today, Montserrat has been modernized to accommodate the many pilgrimages. You will be given some free time to visit the audiovisual exhibition about the history and creation of Montserrat. And taste typical liquors of Montserrat. On some days the children's choir sings in the monastery and so you may be fortunate enough to catch one of their delightful performances.