The mountain of Montserrat, located around 45km northwest of Barcelona, in the region of Catalonia, is around 1,200m high and topped by the beautiful Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. From a distance, it is a magical sight: stone buildings seeming to spring from the cliff-face and lush green surroundings. However, from up close, from the top, it offers the best views in the area, with a sweeping vista across almost the entirety of Catalonia. Rich in artistic and cultural heritage, surrounded by natural beauty and decidedly charming, the whole place is an incredible attraction and the perfect spot for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Catalonia.
The highest point of Montserrat is Sant Jeroni, which can only be reached by a footpath from the top station of the Funicular de Sant Joan.
The highest point of Montserrat is Sant Jeroni, which can only be reached by a footpath from the top station of the Funicular de Sant Joan.
For many, this is the reason for visiting, as the view from Sant Jeroni is indescribable, taking in almost all of the lowlands of Catalonia and, even, stretching all the way to the island of Mallorca under the right weather conditions. Hikers make up a large number of the visitors each year. From the monastery, it is another 300 metres up to this peak and there are several hiking trails of different lengths that lead to the top and from the summit station of the funicular to the deserted hermitages. The trails are well-developed but are still hiking trails and require a certain level of preparedness in clothing and footwear and of fitness. One should also remember to keep to these marked trails as the vegetation of the mountain is fragile and protected.
Aside from the views and hiking trails, most come to Montserrat for the monastery, religious significance and the icon of the Black Madonna, in particular. It has actual been a site of worship since pre-Christian times, when it was home to a Roman temple to Venus. The first monastery on the mountain is recorded in 880AD, when the hermit monks appeared and built various hermitages on Montserrat.
Aside from the views and hiking trails, most come to Montserrat for the monastery, religious significance and the icon of the Black Madonna, in particular. It has actual been a site of worship since pre-Christian times, when it was home to a Roman temple to Venus. The first monastery on the mountain is recorded in 880AD, when the hermit monks appeared and built various hermitages on Montserrat.
The monastery, as we know it today, was officially founded by expanding of the hermitage of Santa Maria in 1025. Its single most famous feature, today is the statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, or the Virgin of Montserrat, or the Black Madonna. This venerated statue of the Madonna and Child is the Patron Saint of Catalonia and has had many miracles attributed to it. It has attracted pilgrimages for centuries and continues to do so. For many, it is their main reason for visiting Montserrat.
However, that is not all there is to see. The Museum of Montserrat monastery is actually home to works by Dali, El Greco, and Monet and also houses liturgical and archaeological exhibits. The Basilica is beautiful and there are plenty of other architectural gems in the complex of buildings, including the Santa Cecilia Chapel next to the abbey that was restyled in 2015 by Irish artist Sean Scully. Montserrat is positively full of little gems and surprises and is well worth a visit for those travelling Spain.
However, that is not all there is to see. The Museum of Montserrat monastery is actually home to works by Dali, El Greco, and Monet and also houses liturgical and archaeological exhibits. The Basilica is beautiful and there are plenty of other architectural gems in the complex of buildings, including the Santa Cecilia Chapel next to the abbey that was restyled in 2015 by Irish artist Sean Scully. Montserrat is positively full of little gems and surprises and is well worth a visit for those travelling Spain.