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The extra details that make the trip. One more stop. That hidden corner. Only the best stuff makes it in. Rated 8.3/10
As the spiritual heart of Catalonia, Montserrat is one of Europe's top pilgrimage sites. This famous Benedictine abbey occupies a striking location at the foot of towering rock formations in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, Spain. You'll have the chance to visit the Vestry and see the statue of La Moreneta. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Thought to have been carved in Jerusalem in the early years of Christianity, the famous ‘Moreneta' or Black Madonna is a sacred wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. The Black Madonna is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain.'
Firstly, a train will take you more than 700 metres up to Spain's largest Benedictine monastery. You'll enjoy exclusive access to the beautifully decorated vestry and skip the line to see the statue of La Moreneta. The monastery complex consists of several buildings, including the basilica, the sacristy, the choir stalls, the library, and the museum. The basilica was built in the 19th century and it's a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture. The monastery is also served by a renowned boys' choir, the Escolania de Montserrat, which dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest in Europe.
As you look around, you can sample the herb liqueur made by the monks and watch the brand new, interactive audio-visual presentation on Montserrat's history. And don't miss the chance to buy tickets for the funicular to the summit – the views of the Llobregat valley from the top are phenomenal.
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