Visit to Cardona Castle

Departure from Barcelona early in the morning, after 1 hour of tour we arrive at Cardona Castle, the most important medieval fortress of Catalonia, was built in 886 by Wifredo el velloso. Romanesque and Gothic in style. We will make a complete visit of the castle through the beatiful interior, the “Patio de Armas” that highlights 3 gothic windows  and the Collegiate Church of Sant Vicenç. We will also tour through the walled area, its fortifications and look for some of the bulwarks that are still standing.

The next stop will be in the salt mountain of Cardona, with an area of more than 100 hectares, this mine of potassium salt is one of the most important in the world. We will continue to contemplate the stalactites and stalagmites of ancient salt. After this visit we’ll take time for a lunch at a typical “Masia” in the area.

Monastery Monserrat tour

We will take time for a quieck lunch. Then follow the tour through the most emblematic peak of Catalonia: The Montserrat Massif; and its Monastery where we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the whole mountain during the bus tour. Then we will visit the viewpoint of Montserrat. After an initial guided tour, we will have free time to tour some of the spectacular viewpoints like the Cross of Sant Miquel, the Santa Cova or the Trenllera ofSant Joan End , after it the tour ends and we return to Barcelona.

Cordoba and its History 

Founded by the Romans during the second century BC. C., became the capital of the Hispania Ulterior in the times of the Roman Republic, also the Betic province during the Roman Empire. However, its intense moment would be during the Muslim domination of the Iberian Peninsula, when it will rise as the capital of the Emirate of Cordoba, although at the time of the Caliphate of Cordoba it became the most populous and cultured city in Europe. During the long European Middle Ages, mosques, libraries, bathrooms and souks abounded, as well as numerous sources. 

Monserrat and its History 

The sanctuary has its historical origin in the hermitage of Santa Maria that Count Wifredo el Velloso donated to the monastery of Ripoll in 888. 

In 1025, Oliba, abbot of Ripoll and bishop of Vic, was the founder of a new monastery in the hermitage of Santa María de Montserrat. In a very short time, the small monastery had pilgrims and visitors, these contributed to make known among the villagers the stories of miracles and wonders that the Virgin worked. 

In 1409, the monastery became an independent monastery. Between 1493 and 1835, a time of great growth reforms, Montserrat was part of the Congregation of Valladolid. 

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the monastery becomes a cultural center of the first order. Great composers leave the monastery’s music school. 

Later, the Napoleonic war and the confiscation of 1835 turned it into destruction and abandonment. But in 1844 the restoration of monastic life began and in 1881, at the Feast of the Coronation of the Image of the Virgin, she was proclaimed as Patroness of Catalonia by Pope Leo XIII 

In the Spanish Civil War, abandonment was experienced again in the monastery. But, the Government of Catalonia preserved Montserrat from looting and destruction. 

In the 16th century, the natives of Gósol were involved in the campaigns against the Huguenots of France. At the same time, the town was commanded by the Dukes of Alba. The Carlist wars significantly affected Gósol, with the burning of houses between 1837 and 1876. During the 19th century, the inhabitants left the old town of Altozano to move to the valley. The new location witnessed changes to the industry and, above all, mining. 

 Cardona Castle 

Cardona Castle, located in the region of Bages (Barcelona), is one of the most beautiful castles in Catalonia. It has more than 11 centuries, this ancient medieval fortress retains an impressive architectural ensemble, it also has an ideal elevated position that makes it even more impressive. 

Tower of the Minyona 

It is a tower of medieval origin of Cardona Castle. At present it is half its original height: the tower is 24 meters high and a base with more than 10 meters in diameter. Previously, it had a height of almost twenty meters, this gave it great value as a surveillance site. Also, its solidity and its isolation made it a great safe dungeon. 

In the year 1812, in the French War the upper floor was cut and removed, it was left practically in the aspect that it currently has 

Salt Mountain 

Salt Mountain is an exceptional natural phenomenon in the world and today continues to grow as the rain erodes it. Its 120 meter tip is a huge diapiro about two kilometers deep. In an hour, you can enter up to 86 meters and thus enjoy the spectacle of shapes and textures offered by this mountain. 

For many years this mountain was one of the most important potassium salt mines in the world, Mina Nieves de Cardona (1929-1990). Today, it is the Cultural Park of the Salt Mountain, a large cultural complex with the intention of encouraging the importance of salt, the sublime geological site and the use that man has made for centuries. 

Montserrat massif 

The Montserrat Massif is a rock formation with an area of ​​50 square km. It is located 30 km from the center of the city of Barcelona. In its vicinity is the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat and its sanctuary, this is dedicated to the virgin of Montserrat. The different forms of the massif make it look unique and also attractive to the landscape. Apart from the sanctuary, in the massif you can enjoy the Holy Cave of Montserrat, the Funicular de Sant Joan and the Basilica. 

Zip Train 

The Zipper is the only transport that reaches the center of the Montserrat Mountain Sanctuary. In 15 minutes the zipper runs through the unique silhouette of the mountain and you can enjoy incredible views of the mountain. On the tour you can appreciate the great beauty of the landscape that surrounds from Monistrol to reach Montserrat. 

The Train is willing to guarantee maximum comfort to travelers, both the train and the platforms are fully enabled for people with reduced mobility. Also, the Monistrol – Vila station has a large free parking lot, with capacity for up to 1,000 cars and 70 buses, catering service and all the necessary services for travelers. 

All year except Christmas, New Year and St. Stephen

Includes:

• Transfer by private vehicle or minibu
• Visit to Cardona castle
• Visit to the Sal mountain in Cardona
• Visit to the Motserrat Monastery
• Tour of the viewpoints of Montserrat
• Guide throughout the tour

• Maximum capacity: 15 people.
• Meeting point: Pick up at the Hotel of lodging.
• It is essential to have received the reservation confirmation.

CANCELLATION POLICY

1-day tours are cancelable up to 24 hours before.