The Backpackers Hostel Blog

Palau Novella is an old Spanish style mansion in the Garraf Natural Park – Parc Natural del Garraf just south of Barcelona. Since 1996 it has been home to the first buddhist monastery in Catalonia called Sakya Tashi Ling. Part of the premises is open to the public on weekends and holidays. Palau Novella, was built in the 19th century as a family residence for a wealthy “indiano” trader, who returned from the Spanish colonies with his fortune.

There are guided tours of the monastery in English, Spanish or Catalan. The tours are not that long, but interesting and offer a glimpse of the buildings itself and the art and culture of Tibet.

The monastery also has restaurant, a hostel and a souvenir shop.

The Buddhist community organizes one-off conferences every Saturday and additional seminars for those who want to study the religion more profoundly. Other activities include courses on meditation, tai chi, yoga, reflexology, qi gong, chakras and reiki.

More info: www.sakyapa.org

How to get to the Garraf Natural Park near Barcelona

By train:
Garraf is the last stop before Sitges, approximately 25 minutes from Barcelona-Sants.
By train (Rodalies) from Sants Estació on line 2 with direction St. Vicenç de Calders.

By car:
Follow the motorway of Castelldefels until the A-16 or taking the Tarragona-Sitges to Costes del Garraf.

Taken from: www.barcelonayellow.com