Yesterday we arrived in the medieval village of Collbató. We’re staying in the top floor of a house with this view:
Today we hiked to the Montserrat Monastery, which was our prime reason for coming here. This monastery was built in the 1800s and hangs off of the side of the mountain. It’s the 2nd most religious site in Spain after Santiago de Compostella. Seeing as I’ve visited Santiago and the Vatican on this trip I thought I should make it a triple!
I didn’t realize that the hike from Collbató to the monastery is actually a pilgrimage like the Camino. It was exciting to see scallop shells and follow yellow arrows again.
RobO and I enjoyed the views, the ride up the funicular, and the ice cream treats after the hike. We also stood in line to see the famous ‘Black Madonna’. The monastery was built in this location because shepherds saw a vision of a Black Madonna here. I guess you’re supposed to thank her for the good things in your life. For example, the Barcelona FC football team dedicates their wins to her. I had no problem thinking of things I’m thankful for!
RobO was disappointed he couldn’t bring his unicorn on the hike:
Tomorrow we’re flying south to Seville. Temperatures are in the 40s there, so I imagine we’ll be siesta-ing like the locals!