MONTSERRAT MONASTERY & BASILICA

Montserrat Monastery and Basilica

Montserrat means "serrated mountain" or "jagged mountain." When you see this very unusual and jagged mountain you can see why it has this name. 

 The massive rock mountain is over 4000 feet high, visible for miles,...

 ...with weird shapes and rounded peaks that jut into the sky.

Montserrat is one of Barcelona's and Spain's major tourist attractions because of its rock formations and the breathtaking scenery and panoramic views. 

We took a bus tour to Montserrat the next day,  which started out a little hazy, but toward the end the sun broke through.

Another way up the mountain is by gondola.

There are miles or hiking paths.  Look on the top of the mountain where the tiny white cross is, and you can see several people following a trail.

The Monastery of Montserrat, located near the top of the 4,000-foot mountain, is home to about 80 monks and 50 young boys who study music and are members of the boy's choir. 

 Home to one of Spain's most famous Benedictine monasteries, the monastery has a history spanning almost a thousand years.

 In the late 18th century, almost the entire sanctuary was destroyed during the Napoleonic invasion. But, due to the widespread devotion to the shrine, it was soon restored.  The buildings are now dated from around 1858.

 Basilica facade

Jesus and the Apostles on the basilica facade 

The basilica also holds one of the monastery's most noted attractions, the 50-member Escolanía, one of the oldest and most renowned boys' choirs in Europe, dating from the 13th century.  They sing daily, except for Saturday when they return home to be with their families (which was the day we were there!!!!).  

Since the 12th century, pilgrims have been drawn to the mountain to venerate the miraculous statue of the Black Madonna.   According to historians, it was then, in the 12th century, that the statue of the Madonna and Child was made. The Madonna statue soon earned widespread fame as numerous miracles were associated with the intercession of the Black Virgin of Montserrat.  (Photo of real statue)

The statue of the Virgin is a small statue made of wood. It depicts a seated Black Virgin with the child Jesus on her lap. Her dark color is due to changes in the varnish with the passage of time.  (Copy of original)

 Metal statue of benedictine monk outside the basilica

Room full of items that patrons have left behind after they had sacred experiences (or miracles) at the monastery. 

Large basin where Catholics dip their fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross before entering the basilica.

Outside basilica, there are five arches separating statues of founders of the great religious orders. 

Pedestrian street going up to the basilica. 

For centuries, Montserrat has been a strongly beating spiritual and cultural heart of the Catalan people and a very interesting visit for all of us.

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On our way back down the mountain, we stopped at a very old church.  There are several dotting the mountainside.

George was such a great sport to be in our pictures since Doug was still not feeling well and rested on the bus.
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Our next stop--a winery!!!