Mount Montserrat - Where Dreams Come True

Mount Montserrat is perhaps the most amazing place in Catalonia. It is difficult for any tourist who has ever visited Barcelona to ignore this unusual mountain.

General Information

Mount Montserrat is truly unique. It is a place of pilgrimage for many believers, and on reaching its peak, one can not only witness the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes but also immerse in the special atmosphere that it offers.

Since the Mesozoic era, limestone and various pebble rocks have accumulated in layers. Today, the highest point of the mountain stands at more than 1230 meters above sea level. It is a pleasant experience to climb to the very top, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

The Montserrat area spans 50 square kilometers, on which hundreds of unusually shaped limestone rocks rise. The bald rocks of the mountain resemble giant idols that invariably guard this area.

History of Montserrat

Monks came to Montserrat in the 11th century. In 1025, the first stone was laid in the foundation of the monastery by Abbot Oliba of Ripolsky, and later, a monument was erected for him here. The Montserrat Monastery was built in the Romanesque style, at an altitude of more than 720 meters above sea level and 49 kilometers north of Barcelona.

Today, 100 monks permanently reside here, and the monastery has a vast library with 300,000 books, 400 of which are handwritten. One of the buildings of the monastery, the "Montserrat Museum" houses various religious relics, archaeological excavations, as well as paintings by Picasso, Dali, El Greco, and other Spanish artists.

Monastery on Montserrat

A large number of legends are associated with the appearance of Mount Montserrat. One of them speaks of little angels who, millions of years ago, descended to the mountain to decorate the dull landscape and build a palace here for the Mother of God, with the help of a "golden saw." The legend says that the first miraculous image of the "Black Madonna" appeared in the 12th century. In general, the "Black Madonna" is an unsolved mystery!

In 1811, Napoleon stormed the mountain three times, after which he destroyed the monastery. During the looting of the monastery, believers managed to hide the statue. In the second half of the 19th century, the restoration of the Benedictine community began. On the site where the "Black Madonna" was found, the "Holy Cave" chapel was built. At the end of the 19th century, the Image of the Virgin Mary was crowned, and since then, she has been the intercessor of Barcelona.

Since 1987, the entire natural complex adjacent to the monastery has been declared the National Park of Catalonia. In 2025, the monastery will celebrate its millennium. On the mountain, there is a path called "The Way of Christ," on which there are 14 event sculptures of the ascension of Jesus on the cross to Golgotha. At the end of the trail, at the cross of St. Michael, one can admire a beautiful view of the Monastery and Montserrat.

A Must-Try on Montserrat

Tourists should definitely try four types of liqueurs here, made according to the old recipes of the Benedictine monks:

• "60 herbs"
• "Cream Catalano"
• "Hazelnut"
• "Walnut"

Of great interest to tourists is the funicular train, which takes passengers up the mountain for 15 minutes, from where an excellent view of the entire complex and the nature of the Montserrat mountain opens up.

Helpful Information

Main Attractions:

• Black Madonna
• Boys Choir "Escolania"
• Funicular

There are also various hiking trails that lead to different parts of the mountain and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the popular hiking routes include the Camí de les Aigües, Camí de Sant Jeroni, and Camí dels Degotalls.

When visiting Montserrat, tourists should also not miss the opportunity to listen to the boy's choir "Escolania," which is one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe. The choir performs daily in the basilica and its hauntingly beautiful voices are sure to leave a lasting impression.

In terms of practical information, the best way to get to Montserrat from Barcelona is by train. Visitors can take the R5 line from Plaça d'Espanya station to Monistrol de Montserrat station, and then either walk up the mountain or take the funicular train. It is also possible to take a guided tour that includes transportation from Barcelona and a visit to the monastery.

In conclusion, Montserrat is a truly unique and fascinating place that offers a combination of natural beauty, religious significance, and cultural heritage. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Catalonia and Barcelona.