Montseny Massif facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montseny |
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Les Agudes seen from the summit of El Matagalls
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,706 m (5,597 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Montseny
Location in Catalonia
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| Location | Vallès Oriental, la Selva, Osona Catalonia |
| Parent range | Catalan Pre-Coastal Range |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Sedimentary rock layers over igneous and metamorphic rocks |
The Montseny is a beautiful mountain range in Catalonia, Spain. It's located west of the coastal hills, just north of Barcelona. This area is part of the larger Catalan Pre-Coastal Range. It's a special place known for its tall peaks and amazing nature.
Contents
What is Montseny Like?
The Montseny mountains are found in a triangle formed by three main roads: the AP-7, C-17, and C-25. This makes them easy to reach! These mountains are the tallest in the area south of the Pyrenees mountains. They stand high above the flat lands south of Girona. To the south of the main peaks, you'll find a flat area called La Calma. The Tordera River valley runs between these two parts.
Highest Peaks of Montseny
Montseny has several impressive peaks. The highest one is Turó de l'Home, which stands at 1,712 meters (about 5,617 feet) tall. Other important peaks include Les Agudes (1,703 meters or 5,587 feet), El Matagalls (1,697 meters or 5,568 feet), and Puig Drau (1,344 meters or 4,409 feet). These peaks offer incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
Ancient History of Montseny
People have lived in the Montseny area for a very long time! There are many ancient stone structures here, like menhirs. These are large standing stones from prehistoric times. They show that people were living and building in these mountains thousands of years ago.
Santa Fe Reservoir
You can also find the Santa Fe Reservoir in the Montseny area. A reservoir is like a large artificial lake that stores water. Work on this reservoir started in 1920 and was finished in 1935. It's an important part of the region's water supply.
Why is Montseny Important for Nature?
The Montseny area is very important for nature, so it is a protected area. In 1978, UNESCO named the Montseny mountains a biosphere reserve. This means it's a special place where people try to balance nature conservation with human activities. Later, in 1987, the government of Catalonia made it a natural park called the Montseny Natural Park (or Parc Natural del Montseny).
Amazing Animals of Montseny
The Montseny Natural Park is home to many different types of animals. You can find animals that live in warm Mediterranean climates, as well as those that prefer cooler, mountain (alpine) areas. One very special animal that lives here is the Montseny brook newt. This small amphibian is critically endangered, meaning it's at very high risk of disappearing forever. In fact, it's only found in the Montseny mountains, making this park super important for its survival!
Images for kids
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North face of the Turó de l'Home, the highest summit of the range
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The massive Matagalls seen from Arbúcies.
See also
In Spanish: Macizo del Montseny para niños
