Salt Mountain, Cruces Forest, Wines and Montserrat Small group

After arriving at the Castle of Cardona, the most important medieval fortress in Catalonia, it was built in the year 886 by Wifredo el Velloso. Of Romanesque and Gothic style, it includes the so-called Sala Dorada and the Sala dels Entresols, this castle houses the National Tourism Parador "Duques de Cardona", and has been included among the ten best castles in Europe to stay, we started the tour by the Tower of the Minyona, which is the oldest preserved part.

This tower reaches 13 meters in height, but came to measure more than 20 and was key in the defensive strategy of the fortress, it was used as a lookout, dungeon and powder keg.

We will make a complete visit of the castle going through the claustrophobic interior, the Patio de Armas that highlights 3 windows of Gothic style or the Collegiate Church of Sant Vicenç. We will also visit the walled area, its fortifications and look for some of the bastions that are still standing

The next stop will be in the salt mountain of Cardona, with an area of more than 100 hectares, this potassium salt mine is one of the most important in the world, we will continue to contemplate the stalactites and stalagmites of ancient salt that houses inside and we will know the history of the industrial exploitation of the valley.

At the end, we will continue our route south direction to know another one of the singular points of Catalonia: Montserrat

On the way to Montserrat Mountain, we will make a small stop to contemplate the artistic work of a Firefighter when he wanted to create a tribute to nature. The New York Times and The Guardian have explained this work. Feel the calm and anger that is breathed.

Optional brunch at a winery, with views of Montserrat Mountain. We will taste the wines from the winery, and we will have a Brunch prepared to enjoy the enchanting moment in some mountain vineyards.

Along with its Monastery where we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the entire mountain during the bus tour, then visit the Montserrat viewpoint to appreciate the beauty that the mountain offers with its famous views that impress visitors, we follow the Royal Basilica to contemplate the Moreneta, called Black Virgin of the Catalans.

It is the heart of the monastery. Here is the image of the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as "La Moreneta" due to its dark color. The Basilica, with Gothic and Renaissance influences, has an impressive façade with sculpted details and large bronze doors, the work of artist Josep Subirachs.
The interior of the Basilica is vast and majestic, with a high vaulted ceiling and a series of side chapels.

Virgin of Montserrat: The true jewel of the Basilica is the Romanesque carving of the Virgin of Montserrat, popularly known as "La Moreneta" due to its dark tone. The carving is believed to date back to the 12th century.
The Virgin holds the Child Jesus on her lap and in her right hand she holds a sphere that symbolizes the universe.
The image is located in a dressing room behind the main altar, and there is a staircase that allows visitors to approach and venerate the image.

La Creu de Sant Miquel is a cross located on a viewpoint in Montserrat, a short walk from the main monastery. The elevated location offers stunning panoramic views of the monastery, the mountain and, on clear days, the surrounding valley and beyond.

The structure itself is an iron cross that stands on a stone pedestal. It is simple but symbolic, and is located in a place that has traditionally been a point of stopping and reflection for pilgrims and visitors.

The name "Creu de Sant Miquel" translates as "Cross of Saint Michael". Saint Michael is one of the best-known archangels in Christian tradition and is often depicted as a protector and leader of the heavenly armies. In the context of Montserrat, the cross serves as a reminder of the spiritual protection and divine presence on the sacred mountain.