Roca de Sant Salvador (l’Elefant)

The Roca de Sant Salvador, more commonly known as l'Elefant (the Elephant), is an emblematic peak in the Montserrat massif, standing at an altitude of 1,235 meters above sea level. Located in the heart of this iconic mountain, within the municipality of Monistrol de Montserrat (Bages region), it forms part of the unique area known as Tebaida and is included in the FEEC's list of 100 significant peaks (100 cims).

Its distinctive silhouette, which resembles an elephant with a gigantic trunk hanging long and wide down its east face, gives it its popular name. This rock formation is a paradise for climbers, featuring classic and airy routes like "Boy Roca," which traces the trunk itself. At its base, nestled within a cave in the rock, lies the historic Sant Salvador hermitage-refuge, and the path to the summit also passes other hermitic buildings such as those of Sant Dimes and Sant Benet.

Geologically, l'Elefant, like the rest of Montserrat, is primarily formed by conglomerate rock. These spectacular vertical walls, covered in embedded pebbles, both challenge and facilitate scrambling and climbing.

Reaching the summit of l'Elefant offers an unparalleled visual reward with a magnificent 360-degree view. From this privileged viewpoint, one can behold nearly all of Montserrat's peaks, needles, and rock formations, with a formidable panorama of the Tebes and Tabor regions. The valley, the Baix Llobregat plain, the muddy Llobregat river winding towards the sea, and the miniature-like towns below can also be observed.

Within the same Tebaida region, l'Elefant is surrounded by some of the massif's most famous anthropomorphic rock formations, such as la Panxa del Bisbe (the Bishop's Belly), la Prenyada (the Pregnant One), la Mòmia (the Mummy), and la Momieta (the Little Mummy). A short walk away are also the La Trumfa needle and nearby peaks like Miranda dels Ermitans or the characteristic Gorres (such as Gorra Frígia or Magdalena Superior). Administratively, it belongs to Monistrol de Montserrat, and from its heights, one can spot the village of Collbató and other populated areas of the Baix Llobregat.