Monserrat, a short distance from Barcelona in Spain, is a mountain formation popular with tourists from Barcelona and is perhaps most famous for the Benedictine Abbey that lies there. The name Monserrat literally means 'Jagged Mountain' or 'saw mountain' and upon seeing the Monserrat Mountains it is easy to see why. The mountain range is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Barcelona.

Santa Maria de Monserrat, the abbey that sits high up within the mountains is a spectacular site full of history and beautiful architecture and one of the most famous icons in Barcelona history, the black Madonna. One of the highlights of the abbey is the boy's choir and school of music which is world famous. Tourists and visitors can watch the choir perform at one in the afternoon and ten past seven each evening. In addition to the abbey, tourists can enjoy the various trails and walks that are available around the mountains. The abbey is situated approximately half a mile above sea level and the views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking. The abbey is best reached by catching the cable car that carries visitors on an exciting ride from the bottom of the mountain to the top and also presents some spectacular views.

The history of how Monserrat came to have such powerful religious connotations is an interesting one. The story goes that several children witnessed a shining light high in the sky above Montserrat and heard angel song. When the parents of the children and a local vicar were brought to the site, they too experienced the same lights and song and concluded that there was only one explanation - that these were signs from God.

Monserrat is about an hour from Barcelona by train (which can be caught from the Plaza Espanya railway station) and is therefore an ideal day trip away from Barcelona. You should expect to pay €12 for the train journey. This price also includes a trip to the abbey on the cable car.

If you are heading to the Catalan capital for a break and you are looking for an idea of things to do in Barcelona, Monserrat must be placed towards the top of your list.