Tossa de Mar and Medieval Charm

I will take you to the seaside town of Tossa de Mar, one of the most picturesque on the coast. No wonder Marc Chagall once called it paradise. On a steep cliff rise the fortress walls of the medieval city, inside which people still live in their old houses. As your private tour guide, I will share the stories behind this unique town. The view from the heights of the old city onto the endless sea expanses fascinates even the most seasoned travelers.

Exploring the Coast with a Private Guide

Sant Feliu, S’Agaro and Pals

We will continue to Sant Feliu and S’Agaro, and of course, to the medieval town of Pals, as if from a postcard.

Empuries, Escala and Roses

Further north, closer to the Pyrenees, we will visit the ancient Greco-Roman colony-museum of Empuries, the seaside town of Escala with its famous anchovies, and the fishing village-resort of Roses, beautifully located in a wide bay.

Empuria Brava and Cap de Creus

We will explore Empuria Brava – the “Catalan Venice” full of canals where yachts sail into the open sea. Then on to Cap de Creus, the easternmost cape of Spain, and the town of Cadaqués, places that were deeply meaningful in the life and work of Salvador Dali.

Flexible Costa Brava Excursion

The itinerary is always tailored to your wishes. As your private tour guide, I can also arrange a seafood lunch in one of the many prestigious restaurants to make the journey unforgettable.

Duration: 9 hours.

The post Private Tour Guide to Costa Brava first appeared on Barcelona Tour Guide.

Tarraco – The Roman Capital

Tarrako – the Romans called the city they founded, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, which became the capital of the huge province of the Roman Empire. Staying in Tarrako for 2 years of Emperor Augustus himself contributed to the heyday of the city, the construction of temples, an amphitheater and a grandiose circus. The area of ​​the main forum exceeded the forum of Rome itself in size! The unique architectural ensemble of the city of Tarragon was included in UNESCO in the list of monuments of the cultural property of mankind.

Medieval Tarragona and the Cathedral

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city is experiencing raids and captures from the Visigoths, Sarracin, but in the 12th century. Tarragon was conquered by Count of Barcelona Ramon Beranger III and attaches to catalunia. The construction of a magnificent cathedral begins. The memory of the first preachers of Christianity in the territory of Tarrako, the Apostle Paul and his associate of St. Tekla, is immortalized in the chapels of the XII – XIII V.V., in the main altar of the cathedral, performed by one of the best Catalan sculptors – Perezan.

The Mediterranean Balcony and Roman Amphitheater

After walking around the former Roman city, by visiting the Cathedral of the Medieval streets, we will reach the so -called Mediterranean balcony, a observation farewell, from where a magnificent view of the Roman amphitheater opens.

Optional Visit to the Archaeological Museum

At your request, the tour can be supplemented by visiting the National Archaeological Museum, where the most valuable exhibits of the Roman era are located: mosaics, sculptures, household items.

Combine with Sitges Excursion

As your tour guide, I can combine this excursion with a visit to the Sitges, the picturesque Mediterranean town, known for the beauty of the architectural ensemble of the historical center, numerous festivals, holidays, and cozy cafes.

Duration – 8 hours.

The post Tarragona – Explore Rich History first appeared on Barcelona Tour Guide.

Let us now explore the monastery Montserrat, perched on a dramatic mountain. A magnificent creation of nature, the mountain of Montserrat is located in the heart of Catalonia, 30 km from Barcelona. I have traveled all over the world and seen breathtaking landscapes, but the beauty of this place is truly incomparable! These enormous rocks, which look like they are carved, open onto the whole valley… They remind us of people, animals, fantastic creatures. The inhabitants call them: the finger of God, the face of the Holy Virgin, the Elephant Head, the Camel… Impressive!

Montserrat as a Place of Pilgrimage

Montserrat is a place of prayer for pilgrims from all over the world, the spiritual center of all Catalonia. In the heart of the Benedictine abbey, nestled at an altitude of over seven hundred meters, is the miraculous statue of the “Black Virgin”, known colloquially as the “Moreneta” (the black one), the patron saint of Catalonia. The miraculous statue was found in the 12th century in a cave in the mountain.
The fame of the miraculous power of the Holy Image attracts pilgrims from all over the world. People come to see the Moreneta, as it is affectionately called because of its color, to ask it to heal a sick person or to grant a wish. A queue of people line up in front of the altar in the throne room to venerate the Virgin Mary of Montserrat. It is said that one must touch the globe, symbol of the universe, that she holds in her hand.

The History of the Benedictine Abbey

The monastery was founded in 1025, but the history of this mountain as a holy place began long before the first Benedictine monks arrived. As we all know, the location of monasteries is never a matter of chance…
Legend has it that in 880, the face of the Mother of God appeared on the mountain of Montserrat, witnessed by shepherd children. A little later, documented cases of miraculous cures were reported. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the monastery flourished. A magnificent basilica was built.

Montserrat as a Cultural Center

The monastery of Montserrat is also a cultural center. Shortly after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, a printing press was set up in the monastery, which is one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula. Today, the monastery has an important publishing house. Its rich library contains more than 300 000 works, including many ancient manuscripts.

The monastery houses a beautiful museum with works (paintings and sculptures) by Spanish and Catalan artists, as well as a fine collection of French impressionists, Russian futurists, Byzantine and Slavic icons.

The Escolania Boys Choir

The monastery of Montserrat is also a renowned center for sacred music. It is famous for its boys choir, the Escolania. This boys choir was established in the 13th century and remains one of the most famous choirs in the world. It is also one of the first music schools in Europe. Many conductors, musicians and artists, including the famous tenor Jose Carreras, have studied there. The school currently has 40 students. The choir performs sacred music, including Gregorian chants. Listening to these children sing, one feels transported to the very sources of Life…You can listen to the Escolania during the afternoon and evening mass in the monastery’s basilica.

Montserrat Today

Montserrat is one of the largest Benedictine monasteries still in operation. Today the community has 90 brothers. The monastery is home to theologians, philosophers, teachers, researchers, musicologists and all those who run the house and welcome pilgrims.

Pilgrimage, the journey to a place of devotion, exists in all religions. Very often, pilgrimage sites are located in exceptional sites, especially in the mountains, and this is probably not by chance. There are many pilgrim routes and paths that criss-cross the mountain of Montserrat, allowing one to enjoy the spiritual peace and unique natural beauty of the place.

The monastery can be reached by cable car. You can also get there by car (there are roads on the different sides of the mountain). Or you can go on foot, like the pilgrims, taking the many paths that wind up to the monastery and that allow you to get closer to this natural and spiritual place.

The infrastructure is well suited to receiving visitors, and there is even a small hotel on the monastery grounds. You can buy drinks and food in one of the cafés. There is also a very good restaurant serving good food. If you want to go there, it is better to book your table in advance, you will not be disappointed.

With your accredited guide you will avoid queues at the entrance of the museums!

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