The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat (Monasterio de Montserrat), built in Spain over a thousand years ago, is still the spiritual symbol, the religious center of Catalonia and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. About 80 monks live in the monastery, worship services are held every day. On the territory there is an interesting museum and one of the most unique sacred places of the religious world - the statue of the Holy Immaculate Virgin Mary of Montserrat.

How to get to the monastery

with the help of a tourist bus or go on a trip on your own . Your way starts in Barcelona at the metro station pl . Espanya, from where you follow the signs to the FGC apron . From here depart suburban train R5 . Have most of all just buy two tickets at once - there and back . Comfortable electric trains run every hour, the waiting time for the next train is indicated on special boards . It is best to leave in the morning . You will spend about an hour on the train and, going down to the Aeri station de Montserrat, another 10 minutes to climb the mountain by cable car in a small hanging cab, not counting the long lines and the subway ride .

If time permits, continue the journey and climb to the very top. The cable car station de Sant Joan is very easy to find, it leaves every 30 minutes. The funicular de Santa Cova will take you to the cave where the statue of the Black Madonna was found

The history of the monastery

The Benedictine Monastery in the Romanesque style was built on Mount Montserrat in 1025 by the abbot Olib Ripolsky, the famous architects of the time who had some influence on the development of Catalan architecture . The new Renaissance cathedral with elements of Gothic architecture was built and consecrated here as early as 1592 . Montserrat Monastery with has been rebuilt several times, and in the The Napoleonic wars were completely destroyed and then rebuilt . The part of the monastery cathedral was preserved, the interior was carefully restored by artists and sculptors of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Antonio Gaudi .

Practical information

Montserrat Monastery is located 50 km from Barcelona in the mountains at an altitude of 721 m above sea level. The monastery is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, from December to June from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm. Entrance to the territory is free

Monastery's Monuments

First of all, go to the cathedral of the monastery, the main attraction of which is the Throne Room, its interior is distinguished by a special luxury . Here since 1947 the statue of the Holy Immaculate Virgin Mary of Montserrat, dating from the 13th century . According to legend, the statue was carved by St. Luke and hidden in the mountains of Montserrat from the wicked. . After more than a hundred years, she was discovered in a cave by shepherds, led by inexplicable radiance and angelic singing . A chapel was erected at this place, and the cave was named Santa Cova . The Black Madonna's throne is made of cast silver, thanks to folk aid .

Until now, the statue is the main object of pilgrimage, it is believed that it helps women to find the happiness of motherhood. In honor of the Holy Immaculate Virgin Mary of Montserrat in Catalonia are often called girls. For example, in her honor the famous opera diva Montserrat Caballe was named

If you are lucky, you will hear a choir of boys performing here daily at one o'clock in the afternoon. A well-known music school was opened at the monastery in the 13th century. Today it is the oldest music school in Europe

Montserrat Museum

Do not forget to visit the Montserrat Museum . Here you can see the exhibition of the works of monks and there are permanent exhibits that will pleasantly surprise you .First, the archaeological collection dedicated to the cultural heritage of the East: jewelry, sculpture and painting, here are stored the antiquities brought from Egypt, including the real mummy .In the museum there is a hall where ancient Russian Orthodox icons are represented, the iconography of the Virgin Mary .The picture gallery includes the works of El Greco, Caravaggio, Luca Giordano .Here is a small collection of masterpieces by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Ramón Casas y Carbo and Salvador Dali .

Monastery Library

It is almost impossible to get into the vast monastery library. Access is allowed only to scientists of world renown and only male. It contains more than 400 rare medieval books and manuscripts dating back to the 14th century.

Nature Montserrat

Remember that the monastery is located in the unique national park of Catalonia. From the mountains of unusual shape, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings. It's a pleasure to spend time and stroll along the well-kept hiking trails. The indexes provide detailed information on the route, its duration and complexity.