Discovering the two sides of Barcelona

Most of us know about Barcelona’s deeply artistic culture, being the birthplace of painter Joan Miro and the city in which Antoni Gaudi studied architecture. Indeed, its city centre streets are lined with the wonderful Gaudi designed buildings, as well as many renowned art galleries. Barcelona often seems as vibrant and colourful as a Mediterranean work of art and it is easy to think that perhaps it doesn’t have a quiet, reserved side, but if you’re interested in discovering the other side of Barcelona then it's simply a case of heading for the hills.

There is always something special about visiting somewhere undiscovered and unspoilt, and up in the mountainous spot of Montserrat you will find just that. Montserrat is a quiet monk retreat, overhung with craggy mountains and offering stunning views out over the Catalonian hills.

To make the most of your visit you can take a guided walking tour, which will take in the Montserrat monastery, the unusual ancient rock formations and the 'Holy Grotto' cave – a famed site of religious significance, being where visitations are meant to have occurred. In addition, every day at one o’clock in the afternoon the monastery choir boys perform a selection of Gregorian chants and choral tunes.

Another perfect way of exploring this mountainous region is on one of the mountain bike tours that are offered; this way you can really cover some ground and explore every little nook and cranny. Bike tours have been known to come across hidden forest lakes, undiscovered old ruins and rare types of plants and trees. You will also have the chance to visit some of the smaller and more out of the way churches, that are less accessible by foot.

When visiting the Montserrat mountain region, you are best to book direct flights to Barcelona; travelling up to Montserrat once you have arrived in the city itself. It is also advisable to book into a hotel that is located in Barcelona city centre, considering hotels in Montserrat are few and far between. However, perhaps make Barcelona town your base and then you can explore the highs of city life, as well as the literal and metaphorical highs of the beautiful Montserrat mountain range.

And finally, it is worth taking the time to seek out some of the old artwork in the monasteries and churches of Montserrat and then compare it with some of the more modern and experimental examples you will find in Barcelona city.

Indeed, there is something almost perfect about being able to enjoy the contrasts of two such fascinating sides of Barcelona – separated only by a matter of miles – and it definitely slots into the idea of enjoying the best of both worlds.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.