The Montserrat Monastery in Montserrat is a one hour drive outside the city of Barcelona. A majestic monastery built into the mountain in Montserrat this 9th century abbey is a marvel to see.
I booked myself with a private tour group of six Americans of whom I was the lone stranger in the group. But it didn’t matter as Americans tend to be on vacation abroad this group of women were very friendly 🇺🇸💙❤️.
On the road to Montserrat
The drive to Montserrat takes you through the countryside of the Catalan region heading north toward the border of Spain and France. From Montserrat you can see the Perynees mountains that separates the two countries, and you can even glimpse the Mediterranean sea and Barcelona on a clear day.
Montserrat Monastery
The Montserrat Monastery is situated on a rugged mountain. Built in 9th century by Benedictine monks who wanted a remote location for solitude and spiritual communion with nature.
The entrance and courtyard to the church is majestic with the rugged mountainous rocks as a dramatic backdrop.
The Church
The beautiful and serene church and altar.
The Legend of the Black Madonna
One of the main reasons religious Christians visit the monastery is to see the Black Madonna who is considered to be the patroness saint of Catalonia. The legend involving the Virgin of Montserra who is also known as “La Moreneta” which means “The little dark-skinned one” shares that in the 9th century the image of the Virgin was found in a cave on the mountain by shepherds. The original figure of the Virgin was made of wood. Over hundreds of year the figure became “La Moreneta” due to her dark skin.
Can you guess how the wooden idol turned a black color after so many years? The answer is in the pictures below.
The idol of Madonna turned black from years of patrons lighting candles and the soot that got released.
Montserrat for a lovely detour from the city of Barcelona
If your’e looking for an off the beaten path excursion outside the city of Barcelona visit Montserrat for a delightful trip into the Catalonia countryside, nature, and a spiritual and peaceful visit to a beautiful monastery.
