The Sanctuary of Montserrat, majestically located in the mountains of Catalonia, Spain, has a rich history and significant importance as a pilgrimage destination. Founded in the 9th century, this Benedictine sanctuary has been a place of Marian veneration and is known for housing the sculpture of the Virgin of Montserrat, nicknamed “La Moreneta”.
Montserrat is a meeting point for pilgrims and visitors, and its importance transcends the religious. The mountain itself, with its unique rock formations, adds a spiritual component to the experience. In addition, the Holy Cave of Montserrat, located nearby, adds an additional element of devotion. In addition to its religious significance, the sanctuary houses an outstanding art collection, including works by artists such as Caravaggio and Dalí, enriching the experience of those who seek not only the divine, but also the artistic.
The Sanctuary of Montserrat is an iconic destination for pilgrims and visitors alike, and is part of several pilgrimage routes, including the Ignatian Way and the Marian Route. The unique combination of its revered history, exceptional art and the spectacular natural setting of the region make this sanctuary a focal point for those in search of the sacred and the cultural in a breathtaking setting.
In 1522, on March 22, the knight Íñigo de Loyola arrives at the monastery, mounted on his horse, dressed in his noble clothes and weapons. Here, on the night of the 24th, on the main altar, in front of the image of the Virgin, he will offer himself to his Lady and Lady, vowing to follow Jesus Christ and defend his cause until death, in the style of the prayer vigils that the knights of the medieval nobility had made before him. Iñigo will change his clothes for those of a humble pilgrim, and, dressed in sackcloth, with his staff and haversack, at dawn, after mass, he will walk down the mountain to the city of Manresa. Here he begins his new life, leaving behind definitively his appearance of knight of the court of Emperor Charles V. No more nobility than being a disciple of Jesus.
- Address
Montserrat, Barcelona (Spain) - Web
https://www.montserratvisita.com/en/index.html - Visiting Hours
Everyday from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm., Holy Grotto everyday from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm - What to see
Sacred mountain, Caravaggio and Dalí paintings, Holy Grotto, Virgin’s Chapel
