Introducing Monestir de Montserrat
The prime attraction of Monestir de Montserrat, 50km northwest of Barcelona, is its incredible setting. The Benedictine monastery sits on the side of a 1236m-high mountain of weird, bulbous peaks. The monastery was founded in 1025 after a statue of the Virgin Mary was found here, and pilgrims still come from all over Christendom to kiss the Black Virgin (La Moreneta), the 12th-century wooden sculpture of Mary that’s regarded as Catalonia’s patron.
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Mass is held several times daily; at the 1pm Monday to Saturday mass the monastery’s boys’ choir sings.
The monastery’s information centre (93 877 77 77; www.montserratvisita.com, www.abadiamontserrat.net; 10am-5.45pm) has a couple of good free leaflets and maps on the mountain and monastery, as well as information about the Museu de Montserrat (93 877 77 77; adult/student €5.50/4.50; 10am-5.45pm).
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
