Montserrat lies a quick 50k train ride northwest of Barcelona. The name means serrated mountain and stands 1236 meters high. The limestone conglomeration forming these spires cradles The Monastery of Montsurrat at 725 meters and a complex of 13 hermitages scattered around the high part of the mountain.

I took the train from Barcelona which connects directly to the cremallera, a rack and pinion train that climbs to the monastery. Built in 1025 the monastery now serves as home to a community of about 80 monks none of which I saw. I suspect they were seeking refuge from the hordes of loud tourists.

From the monastery I hiked on a beautiful series of trails climbing amongst spires overlooking the monastery and valley far below. I saw many rock climbers scattered all over the bolted routes up each spire and it made me wish I had brought my gear. The weather was perfect and the climbing looks outstanding.

The trails I hiked climbed past several of the hermitages, each mostly in ruins and the beautiful more modern New Chapel of Saint Joan.

What an amazing outdoor playground, and so close to Barcelona. Does anyone know what this tiny wild flower to the right is? I have never seen anything like it. I can say the same for all of Montserrrat.