Montserrat Hike via Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig Ruins

About Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery

The hiking route from Monistrol de Montserrat to the Montserrat Monastery passes several notable landmarks and viewpoints. Along the way, walkers encounter the abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig, a striking ruin that adds an element of urban exploration to the trail. The path also leads past the Sant Benet and Sant Cecília monasteries, each offering cultural and spiritual significance, as well as panoramic views of the Montserrat mountain range.

Further along, hikers can enjoy the scenic stretch of Els Degotalls, a viewpoint known for its devotional plaques and sweeping vistas across Catalonia. This combination of historic ruins, religious monuments, and natural viewpoints makes the route one of the most diverse and rewarding approaches to Montserrat.

History of the Hotel Colonia Puig

Little historical documentation exists about the Hotel Colonia Puig, but records suggest it was built around 1910 by Catalan industrialist Sr. Puig, with financial support from his associate Alejandro Lerroux, leader of the radical republican party. According to the anarchist Juan García Oliver, who claimed to have worked there as a waiter in 1918, the hotel must have opened before that year, with some sources placing its inauguration in 1912.

The three‑storey hotel quickly attracted high‑society guests. Rooms cost 3.50 pesetas (around 145 euros today), while full board was 15 pesetas (about 630 euros). To serve its clientele, the hotel even maintained a fleet of Swiss cars for transfers. Its magnificent location overlooking Monistrol de Montserrat made it a fashionable retreat.

The Spanish Civil War (1936) ended the hotel’s prosperity. The building was converted into a blood hospital for wounded soldiers, many of them victims of German bombing raids on Monistrol de Montserrat in 1939. After the war, the hotel reopened and continued to host events, including a banquet in 1955 celebrating the tenth anniversary of Montesa motorcycles. Ultimately, the hotel closed in the late 1980s, leaving behind the abandoned ruin seen today.

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Visiting Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery

Today, the Hotel Colonia Puig is an unmanaged, privately owned abandoned ruin. Its neoclassical façade and crumbling interiors make it a striking stop for urban explorers and photographers. NOTE: Should you enter the building, be aware that the complex is extremely unstable and very dangerous, especially after heavy rainfall. Entry is entirely at your own risk, with the knowledge that you are trespassing on private property.

Sant Benet Monastery

The route continues past the Sant Benet Monastery, a Benedictine site built in 1954 by architect Lluís Bonet i Garí, who also worked on the Sagrada Família. Despite its name, it is not a medieval foundation but a relatively modern monastery, established as a retreat for Benedictine nuns. The complex includes a distinctive tower, constructed as part of the mid‑20th century design, which gives the building a striking silhouette against the cliffs of Montserrat.

Nestled into the slopes of the mountain, Sant Benet offers a peaceful contrast to the abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig. Hikers can admire its architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the Montserrat mountain range from the trail. Note: The monastery is not open to the public for visits, so it can only be appreciated from the outside as part of the hiking route.

Sant Cecília Monastery

Further along the trail lies the Sant Cecília Monastery, founded in the 10th century (945) under Count Sunyer of Barcelona. Dedicated to Saint Cecilia, it became one of the earliest Benedictine communities on Montserrat. The Romanesque church, with its austere design, reflects the architectural style of early Catalan monasteries and has been restored several times after damage during wars and periods of decline.

Today, Sant Cecília is surrounded by dense forest, making it a serene waypoint for hikers and a reminder of Catalonia’s medieval monastic tradition. The site now hosts the Espai d’Art Sean Scully, a contemporary art space integrated into the historic monastery.

Opening Hours: The monastery is open to the public from March to November, but closed on Tuesdays. Standard visiting times are 10:00 – 14:00 on selected days, with special activities announced in advance. Admission is €7 for adults, €6 for students, retirees, and groups (20+), and €4 for children aged 8–16. Visits outside these times must be arranged in advance via the Montserrat Abbey (museu@abadiamontserrat.net).

Note: Access is limited, so hikers should check the official schedule before planning a visit. The monastery is not continuously open like the main Montserrat Monastery, but when accessible it offers a unique blend of medieval heritage and modern art.

Trail Along the Cliffs of Montserrat

Between Sant Cecília and the main monastery, the path follows the dramatic cliffs of Montserrat. This section is renowned for its viewpoints, where hikers can pause to take in sweeping vistas across the Llobregat valley and the plains of Catalonia. The cliffside trail combines rugged natural beauty with spiritual landmarks, making it one of the most memorable stretches of the hike.

Sant Benet Tiny Chapel Above Montserrat Monastery

Above the Montserrat Monastery lies a small chapel, often overlooked by casual visitors. This hidden gem offers solitude and elevated views over the Montserrat peaks. The chapel provides a unique perspective on the Benedictine abbey and the sacred mountain. the descending path down to the world famous Montserrat Abbey provides unique viewpoints of this cultural wonder, completing the journey with a sense of discovery and reward.

Hiking to Montserrat Monastery via Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig with a Dog

The first section of the route is via brushland and light oak and pine forest, so in summer and spring there may be poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars. From the hotel ruin, the trail continues past Sant Benet and Sant Cecília before following a densely forested path to the Montserrat Monastery. The route does not present major difficulties for your dog, but do not enter the hotel ruin as there is broken glass inside and around the property.

What to bring for Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery

This is a medium‑difficulty walking route and predominantly uphill. Carry a small rucksack with essentials including a first aid kit. An emergency waterproof jacket is optional depending on the forecast but recommended in wetter months.

Bring 2–3 litres of water, as there are no refill points along the trail. A head torch is useful if you plan to explore the ruins, where interiors are dark and unstable. Sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and gloves for navigating debris are also advisable.

Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult € 18.50 FREE Child € 18.50 FREE Not Suitable for children Group/Family Ticket? N/A Notes Walk is free, Return train ticket costs 18.50 Euros.

Getting to Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery

Address: BP-1121 Marganell S/N, Monestrol de Montserrat, 08199

The quickest way is to take the FGC train to Monistrol de Montserrat and walk through the town, ascending the mountain towards Sant Benet Monastery for about 2 km.

For those seeking a more scenic adventure, there is my 11 km hiking route starting at FGC Monistrol de Montserrat. The trail climbs past the abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig, continues via Sant Benet and Sant Cecília Monasteries, and follows the dramatic cliffside viewpoints before arriving at the Montserrat Monastery. From here, visitors can descend the mountain using the Montserrat Aeri cable car or the cremallera rack railway, returning to Barcelona via the FGC train service.

For GPS details and trail maps, see the Wikiloc section. These stations are on the FGC Llobregat–Anoia line.

Discover Montserrat from the sky with a unique view of the mountain using the Aeri cable car to visit the Benedictine Abbey of Santa María de Montserrat and its famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat.

Return and one‑way tickets are available.

Note: This ticket is for the cable car only. A separate ticket for the FGC train to Aeri de Montserrat must be purchased.

Documents for Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery

Wikiloc Trail for Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig To Montserrat Monastery

a0154 - Abandoned Hotel Colonia Puig to Montserrat Monastery

A walk in the Montserrat mountains via Monistrol, Sant Bennet Monastery, Abandoned hotel Colonia Puig, Sant Cec?lia, Sant Benet Chapel and Motserrat monastery.

Transport: FGC & cable car Fare: €18.50 Distance: 10.98 Difficulty: Moderate

What is Wikiloc?

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Where to stay near Abandoned Hotel Colonia & Montserrat Monastery

I recommend doing this as part of a two day hiking adventure where the second day is the Montserrat Monastery to Sant Jeroni route so an overnight stay at the Monastery complex is recommended.

At Montserrat Monastery, there are three hotels and one campsite.

Montserrat Abat Marcet
Hotel Abat Cisneros
Apartamentos Montserrat Abat Marcet
Area Esportiva i d'Acampada de Montserrat Is a simple and cheap campsite (3.5 Euros per tent + 4 Euros per adult) about 10 minutes walk from the Monastery via the Sant Miquel path towards Creu de Sant Miquel. Only open in the summer months and can be booked by calling (+34) 93 77 77 77. Popular with mountain Climbers.