Hostal de la Creu

Hostal de la Creu is a medieval wayside inn on the old pilgrim route to Montserrat, standing in the municipality of Monistrol de Montserrat, in the Bages comarca of Catalonia. Today it survives as an abandoned, partly ruined stone building, listed on Catalonia's cultural heritage register.

Where is it located?

The building sits on the ridge of Serra del Cul de la Portadora, within Monistrol de Montserrat, at the foot of the Montserrat massif and close to the Llobregat river. Monistrol lies roughly 50 km northwest of Barcelona and has long served as the starting point for the climb to the mountain, home to the renowned Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. The site's coordinates are 41.60995°N, 1.86003°E.

Where does the name come from, and what was it used for?

The name "Hostal de la Creu" ("Inn of the Cross") comes from an old boundary cross that once stood next to the building, marking a waypoint along the route. The inn served travelers on the pilgrimage road to Montserrat, a route laid out during the reign of King Peter IV of Aragon, known as "the Ceremonious" (Pere el Cerimoniós), in the 14th century. For pilgrims heading to the monastery, it was the last stop before crossing the Llobregat river and beginning the climb up the mountain.

What does the building look like?

Hostal de la Creu has a rectangular floor plan with a ground floor and an upper story, built entirely of stone. The ground floor is covered by a stone barrel vault, which has survived in good condition, unlike the rest of the structure. Parts of the flooring and the staircase to the upper level remain, though much of the roof has collapsed and the interior is heavily deteriorated.

What condition is it in today?

The building is in poor structural condition, with a partially collapsed roof and damaged interiors reflecting years of disuse. It is privately owned and currently has no active function. Even so, it has been listed on Catalonia's cultural heritage register since 17 January 2001, recognizing its historical value as a surviving marker of the old pilgrimage route. The name also lives on locally, attached to a nearby housing area and street in Monistrol de Montserrat.

When to visit?

Since the building is a ruin with no visitor facilities, it is best seen as part of a wider walk through the hills around Montserrat — spring or autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for hiking in the Bages countryside. Trails around Serra del Cul de la Portadora are open to walkers, and Hostal de la Creu makes an easy stop on routes connecting Monistrol with nearby chapels, such as the Sant Antolí chapel.

Frequently asked questions

What was Hostal de la Creu? A medieval wayside inn on the pilgrimage route to Montserrat, the last stopping point before crossing the Llobregat river and climbing the mountain.

Where does the name come from? From an old boundary cross that once stood beside the building, marking a waypoint on the route.

Can the building be visited today? It has no tourist function — it's privately owned and in poor structural condition, with a partially collapsed roof.

Is the site protected? Yes, it has been listed on Catalonia's cultural heritage register since 2001.