Wanderlusting Mama: Montserrat: a must visit if you are in Barcelona

Friday, September 27, 2013

Montserrat: a must visit if you are in Barcelona

We went to a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat about one hour from Barcelona. The religious importance combined with the breathtaking views of Montserrat (literally, serrated mountain) was simply remarkable. You can either take an organized tour or take a train and funicular on your own to get there.

the Funicular

For hubby, Montserrat was the highlight of our trip. Devotees, rock climbers and tourists flock to this mountain to see the views of the countryside and admire the amazing rock formations. Apart from the hearing Boys Choir which Montserrat is famous for, people go to there to venerate the Virgin of Montserrat (or La Moreneta), one of the black Madonnas of Europe. It was also the image upon which Ignatius of Loyola laid down his sword before later founding the Society of Jesus—a story close to the heart of my true-blue, Atenean friends.

Statue of St Ignatius of Loyola

The explanation we were given behind the black hands and face of La Moreneta was that the image had prolonged exposure to candle smoke or had a chemical reaction caused by a varnish used as a paint sealant. Since then, the statue was repainted black by successive generations of restorers.

La Moreneta

The basilica itself was beautiful with its gilded altar and wrought iron. Atop sits the Virgin of Montserrat which can be approached by the visitors by climbing some stairs to get to her altar.

The Basilica of Montserrat

Votive candles can also be purchased and lit in one of the many caverns.

Outside, you can hike on one of the many trails or visit the gift shop selling religious items and souvenirs. There was a monastery, of course, a cafeteria, and a museum including works of prominent painters such as El Greco, Dalí, Picasso and more. This place surely will meet various needs—whether it is a hike, retreat, views, shopping, art, religious devotion, and even food.

In the weekends, they have a farmer’s market where local farmers sell their produce. Hubby and I got some Mató de Montserrat (Catalan fresh cheese made from cows' or goats' milk, like cottage cheese) with honey for our snack.