Funicular de Sant Joan, Mountain funicular in Montserrat, Spain.
The Funicular de Sant Joan is a funicular railway in the Montserrat massif in Catalonia, Spain, that carries passengers up a very steep slope through bare rock and pine woodland. The upper station sits well above the monastery level, serving as a starting point for walking trails that reach the highest accessible parts of the mountain.
The funicular opened in the early 20th century, replacing the long walk that pilgrims and visitors had to make to reach the upper parts of the mountain. The line was later modernized, with new cabins introduced to improve capacity and comfort while keeping the same steep route.
The funicular takes its name from the Sant Joan chapel that stands near the upper station, a small religious building that has long drawn visitors to this part of the mountain. From there, a network of footpaths leads further into the rocky landscape, connecting hikers to viewpoints and hermitages scattered across the upper slopes.
The ride is short but the incline is very steep, so those sensitive to heights may want to prepare for an unusual sensation. Arriving early in the morning on weekdays gives the best chance of boarding without a long wait, especially during warmer months.
The line is one of the steepest public funiculars in Spain, giving passengers the feeling that the cabin is almost vertical during the climb. Choosing a window seat on the uphill side of the car puts the bare rock face just a few feet away throughout the ride.
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