Mount Montserrat is one of the most important landscapes in Catalonia. As it is a mountain located in the middle of a fairly flat plain, it can be seen from many points of the region.
Even the shape of the mountain is attributed to a divine intervention, but it is considered the spiritual heart of Catalonia due to the large number of religious sites located between the mountains.
Legends say that the statue of the Black Madonna (located today above the main altar of the Montserrat Monastery) was carved out of wood by St. Luke in the 1st century. Later, the statue is thought to have been brought to Catalonia, where it was hidden in Santa Cova (the Holy Grotto).
The statue was discovered in the 9th century by local shepherds who saw a bright light and heard sacred music.
The statue of the Black Madonna can now be seen in the main monastery and a replica is on display in a small chapel built on the spot where the statue was discovered.
If you hike in the Mount Montserrat area, you can visit many small chapels and temples. Walking around these spiritual places and feeling the energy they radiate is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have when visiting Barcelona.
Montserrat is easily accessible from Barcelona by public transportation or a day trip by car.
