The striking pink conglomerate of sedimentary rock that makes up the unusual shape of this mountain is, in itself, a natural wonder. Its unique peaks rise brusquely above the flood plain of the Llobregat river, reaching a height of 1,236 metres over sea level. Montserrat has had an important role in the history of the country: as well as being the site of the sanctuary of the Virgin of Montserrat (known as the Moreneta), patron saint of Catalonia, it has served as a stronghold of Catalan culture and nationalism, and a refuge for intellectuals and activists during the most difficult moments of the Franco dictatorship. Its strange shape is due to the characteristics of the limestone, moulded by the sea that covered this land thousands of years ago.
HOW TO GET THERE: By car: Take dual carriageway A-2 until the Abrera-Túnel del Cadí-Manresa exit, then take the C-55 and exit at Monistrol. From there follow directions to Montserrat or the rack railway station (www.cremallerademontserrat.com). By public transport: You can also get there by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat train from Pl. Espanya, where you can buy a combined ticket that also includes the rack railway (www.fgc.es).
The virgin of Montserrat is popularly known as La Moreneta or “little dark one” because of her skin colour (thought to be caused by candle smoke). According to legends, this wooden statue from the end of the 12th century is the reason for building the monastery on the mountaintop. The legend tells how a shepherd found the statue at the top of the mountain and took it down in order to build a monastery to hold it, but the statue miraculously disappeared only to appear again at the top of the mountain. In the end the decision was taken to build a chapel in the place where the virgin apparently preferred to be. Patron Saint of Catalonia, La Moreneta is widely venerated by both Catalan and foreign worshippers.
Architecturally, the Basílica falls between the Gothic and Renaissance traditions. During the Spanish war of independence, the building suffered damage that could not be repaired until the 19th century.
It’s one of the most important museums of Catalonia. Despite losing most of its heritage during the Napoleonic wars, after its restoration and thanks to private donations, Montserrat has built up a comprehensive collection of artworks, running from Caravaggio to Picasso and Dalí.
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