Montserrat: The Climbing Heart of Catalonia

Let’s start with what really matters to climbers: the rock. Montserrat is made of conglomerate, a rough, compact mix of stones cemented together by limestone. This unique texture creates a climbing experience like no other.

But it’s not just about the rock type. It’s also the sheer variety of climbing styles here. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, into multi-pitches, slabs, sport routes, trad, towers, or overhangs, Montserrat has it all. The number of routes has long surpassed five thousands and new lines keep popping up. Conglomerate crags aren’t common worldwide, making Montserrat a true magnet for climbers from across the globe. And yet, despite its international appeal, the area’s climbing history remains deeply tied to Catalan and Spanish climbers.

Montserrat’s climbing story began in 1851 when Josep Pujol and Moro Rock put up the first recorded route, graded III. The early 20th century saw a climbing boom, led by big names like Joan Cerdá and Josep Manuel Anglada. Over the decades, Montserrat has seen it all, from classic lines to brutal sport routes. In 2013, Ramón Julián Puigblanque, aka Ramonet, sent the area’s first 9a+ called ”Red Ram”. It took almost a decade for the route to see a repeat, when Alexander Megos finally bagged the second ascent in 2022. Megos later suggested downgrading it to 9a, but it still holds the title of Montserrat’s hardest climb.

One of Montserrat’s biggest perks is that it’s a year-round climbing destination. The south-facing sectors soak up the sun, making winter climbing a joy, while the shady north-facing walls offer a cool escape in the heat of summer. It’s also super accessible. Just 50 km from Barcelona, Montserrat is an easy trip from the airport, with budget airlines flying in from all over Europe. The surrounding villages offer everything a climber needs - restaurants, shops, and various accommodation options. If you’re not into luxury, you can camp or stay in one of the rustic stone huts aka ”refuges”. And if you´ll need a rest day, there’s no shortage of options. The ancient monastery, scenic hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and even limestone caves offer plenty of ways to stay active.

With its deep religious roots, Montserrat sees thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. At times, it might feel a bit crowded to be called a “climbing paradise.” But there’s something fascinating about how these two worlds intersect: climbers chasing the perfect hold and pilgrims searching for spiritual fulfillment. And sometimes, they even blend together, maybe even within ourselves. Montserrat is a magical mountain, and who knows? You might just find something here that you never expected.