If you'd like to take a stroll around Barcelona, I recommend you visit Montseny Natural Park.
It's one of the lungs of Catalonia.
Today, I'm taking you for a walk in the woods of this region.
Montseny Natural Park: article summary
Montseny Natural Park at a glance
Montseny Nature Park is located in the Catalan pre-coastal mountain range. It covers an area of 31,063 hectares and is located in 50 km from Barcelona and 25 km from the Costa Brava.
The peaks of this massif are the highest in the pre-coastal mountain range, and its name (Monte signo) comes from the fact that sailors used it as a landmark to return to Catalonia after their Mediterranean voyages many centuries ago.
The Montseny massif is one of Catalonia's most outstanding protected areas. That's why, in 1978, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage site. included in the world network of biosphere reserves.
The Montseny contour begins with elevations of less than 200 metres on the eastern side, rising to just over 1,700 m. The massif is divided into three main zones:
- La Calma
- Matagalls
- Turó de l'Home
La Calma
La Calma (French for "peace and quiet") is a large plateau with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. the two other pre-coastal nature parks (Sant Llorenç del Munt and Montserrat) and the Pyrenees.
Sant Marçal Pass
The Sant Marçal pass lies between the Matagalls and Turó de l'Home areas. The granite platform of the three bishops is located in the pass. It is said that the bishops of Barcelona, Girona and Vic used to gather around this table. so that no one has to leave their own diocese.
Matagalls Peak
It's the most beautiful mountain, with its shape and its woods. Here you'll find peace and serenity on exceptional hikes not to be missed.
Turó de l'Home
Turó de l'Home (1,707 m), the highest peak in the massif, is not very interesting. It has virtually the same views as Les Agudes, but Turó de l'Home has been ruined. by numerous antennas installed at the topand a weather station, among other things. However, if you don't feel like walking, you can reach the summit by car.
What's the weather like in Montseny?
The particular configuration of the terrain, the altitude, the slopes and the distance from the sea, at a typically Mediterranean latitude, create the conditions for great climatic diversity.
As altitude increases, temperature and humidity change dramatically, Mediterranean climatewith different stages and variations depending on the aspect of the slopes.
In winter, snow sometimes covers the highest parts of the Montseny massif. Without doubt, the best time to visit is late autumn and early winter. November and December are the best months.
Some historical facts about Montseny
In Iberian times, around 2,400 years ago, the area surrounding the massif was occupied and stable settlements sprang up on certain hills, resulting in the construction of fortifications, such as the on the hill of Montgròs, in the municipality of El Brull. This type of building is called an oppidum.
Montsoriu Castle, at 634 m, is the country's perfect example of Xᵉ to XIVᵉ century Gothic military architecture. It is the only castle in Catalonia which has withstood every siege.
Finally, there's the monastery of San Salvador de Breda. Only the 32 m high tower and part of the cloister are Romanesque. The church is Gothic. The Abbey courtyard has been built in the XVᵉ century.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Montseny suffered from depopulation. Communications infrastructure was poor and people couldn't make a living from what a farm produced. But agrotourism has helped many people keep their homes.
What wildlife can you find in Montseny Natural Park?
Montseny is a refuge for a number of typical species. high-altitude environments.
Montseny's wooded character largely determines the fauna that lives here. Among the holm oaks, the best-known mammals are wild boar, fox, genet and dormouse.
Among the most common birds are the jay and the robin, and there are various species of amphibians, reptiles and fish.
The park's most remarkable species is the Montseny newt. It was discovered only a few years ago and is the massif's only indigenous vertebrate. It needs highly oxygenated water, so it lives above 600 m altitude in cold streams and gorges. Park staff estimate that there are between 1,000 and 1,500 specimens. However, the high water demand of the surrounding factories is a risk for this species.
The other endangered species is the Granota Roja, an amphibian that is very active in winter and moves easily over snow. The frogs live next to the Santa Fe reservoir. Unfortunately, 90 % of their eggs do not produce young.
Finally, the salamander is the other characteristic amphibian of the Montseny. Salamanders breathe through their skin and tolerate cold winters better than hot summers.
While in Montseny, you're likely to discover the region's wildlife. During your your touryou can stop and discover the wonders this place has to offer.
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