Montserrat is one of the most popular day tours from Barcelona, with more than two and a half million tourists visiting every year.
Its most famous attraction is the carved Black Madonna statue in the basilica of the monastery. At peak times you can expect to wait up to 45 minutes in line to see it.
1. Museum of Montserrat
The Museum of Montserrat showcases a selection of the best of the artistic and archaeological heritage at Montserrat. It contains six different collections that span a vast chronological period, with more than 1,300 pieces on display.
The oldest exhibit on display is a 13th century Egyptian sarcophagus, while the most recent is a painting by Sean Scully from 2010. Other highlights include old Catalan painting from the 13th to 18th centuries, works by Berruguete, El Greco and Caravaggio.
The museum also has an exhibition on the varying depictions of the Black Madonna over the years. It includes painting and sculptures, as well as Byzantine and Slavic icons and gold worship objects from the 15th to 20th centuries.
2. Holy Grottos
One of the most popular hiking destinations in Montserrat is Santa Cova, or “The Holy Grotto.” It is a pilgrimage site that dates back to 880 AD when shepherd children saw lights and heard singing on top of the mountain. They went to investigate and found the fully carved image of the Black Madonna in the cave.
In addition to the grotto, you can also visit the chapel that sits next to the grotto. This Baroque building was built in the 1600’s and blends into its surroundings to give the feeling of being one with the grotto.
Another important part of Montserrat’s history is that of its hermits. In fact, a hermit named Bernat Boil was known to be the companion of Christopher Columbus on his second voyage.
3. The Black Madonna
The Black Madonna, known as La Moreneta, has been enshrined in the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat for nearly a thousand years. She’s one of the most venerated figures in European religion and is often associated with fertility.
Unlike many old statues which are black because of the type of wood they were made from or the effects of earlier coverings in their paint, the Virgin of Montserrat’s skin is dark due to her being surrounded by innumerable candles and lamps. This is the reason why she’s called a ‘Black Madonna’ rather than simply being a black statue.
When you enter the Basilica of Montserrat there is a doorway to the right that will lead you into the small room that contains the Black Madonna. This is where the queues are likely to be, but be warned that if you don’t want to wait for hours, you may as well skip this part of your visit and move on.
4. Basilica of Montserrat
Montserrat is a beautiful rocky mountain that is just an hour outside of Barcelona. It is named after the Black Madonna who has been worshipped by Catalans for over 1000 years, and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Spain.
The Benedictine Abbey, which stands 718m up the mountain, is one of the main attractions for visitors to Montserrat. The monastery is home to around 80 monks who live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
A Basilica built in the 16th century is located at the entrance to the monastery. It is a Gothic structure that uses Renaissance shapes and traditionally Catalan architecture.
Inside the Basilica there are a number of unique elements, including the tomb of Bernat de Vilamari and the Virgin of Montserrat statue. There are also some stunning stained-glass windows and Venetian mosaics.
