Regardless of cultural or religious value of the Benedictine Abbey of the Santa Maria de Montserrat, the natural beauty of the mountain range, with its unique rock formations, is an intriguing attraction unto itself and is definitely worth a day trip from Barcelona if only to take in the stunning views. While at the monastery, we were lucky enough to chance upon the Escolonia de Montserrat, a choir composed entirely of 14-year old kids, and one of the oldest in the country.
Buy. Approaching the monastery, there is a local market where Catalan products such as oil, liquor and honey are being sold. It is a great place to buy local produce as they are being sold by the local farmers and artisans themselves. Try out the various cheeses and bring some home.