Barcelona information
Excursions in Barcelona
Montserrat
An essential part of the Catalonian identify, it is the spiritual
center and guardian of the souls of the Catalonian. Of special
interest is the Benedictine Monastery with its 16th century basilica
housing the 12th century Romanesque image of La Moreneta, patroness
of Catalunya. Montserrat can be reached by car on the Barcelona-Manresa
highway and by train from Monistrol. From here the mountain can
be ascended by car, by bus (special permanent service) or by cable
car from the railroad station.
Montseny Natural Park
Forty kilometers from Barcelona, this natural park is the only
one in Catalunya declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO. Holm
oak, cork oak, oak, beech and pine groves are found. In the woods
it is possible to see boars, genets, dormice, a large variety
of birds, including birds of prey. Access by A-7 highway Barcelona-La
Jonquera, exit Sant Celoni-Montseny. From here take BV-5114 road
from Sant Celoni to Viladrau via Sant Fe del Montsseny.
Metropolitan Park of Collserola
Metropolitan park of Collserola preserves a good example of the
Mediterranean forests of pine and oak trees. Spectacular fields
of rockrose, heather and broom can also be found on the sunny
slopes. Two of the most interesting sights are the Hermitage of
Sant Medir and the Natural Reserve of Font Groga.
Barcelona to the Cradle of Catalonia
From Barcelona to the cradle of Catalunya. (110 kilometers). Take
N-152 highway to the town of Vic and continue on to Ripoll. The
medieval Benedictine monastery was founded by Guifré I, first
sovereign Count of Catalunya. Destroyed by fire and ravaged afterwards,
only the entrance doorway and the cloister remain from the original
building. The majestic mountainous surroundings provide an appropriate
backdrop.
Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i de la Serra d´Obac
Forty kilometers from Barcelona, this park is a mountainous area
with spectacular crags and rocks. There are more than 1,000 varieties
of plants, including rosemary, rockrose, heather and white pine
groves. In the interior, mountain oak, maple oaks and other types
of trees are found, and in the springtime we can find primrose
and violets. Thriving on the highest areas of the cliffs, we find
interesting rupicolous vegetation. Boars, genets and a large variety
of birds, as well as birds of prey, inhabit the park. Accessed
from Barcelona by A-18 highway to Terrassa. From there, the Talamanca
roads goes up the Estenalles pass, where you can visit Montcau,
the second higest peak in the park.