Montserrat Monastery - The Most Famous Shrine in Catalonia

☝️ Places like the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat are beloved by pilgrims and tourists alike. With over a thousand years of history and so many “miraculous” legends, it draws millions of visitors from around the globe!

✅ It’s a unique natural and spiritual symbol of Catalonia.
✅ The statue of the Black Madonna is the monastery’s most sacred relic, dating back to the 12th century, and is believed to work wonders. Many say she grants “immaterial” wishes—like hopes for children or true love. If that resonates with you, go see her!

✅ The main basilica, rebuilt after the Napoleonic wars, has hosted countless artists, including Antoni Gaudí.
✅ On-site, you’ll find the Montserrat Museum, home to 1,300 works of art.
✅ Every day at 1 PM, the famous boys’ choir, Escolania — 50 singers aged 9 to 14 — performs their hymn to the Virgin Mary.
✅ The surrounding park offers numerous hiking trails and breathtaking views!

☝️ Tips for visitors:
👉 Arrive early, especially if you want to visit the Black Madonna.
👉 From the coast, book a guided tour with transport included.
👉 From Barcelona: take a bus or train from Plaça d’Espanya, then the funicular up to the monastery—amazing vistas await you 👍
👉 Bring water and comfortable shoes.
👉 Carry some cash — there are plenty of local treats and souvenirs in the monastery shops (credit cards are accepted too).
🫣 I always buy a few specialty items myself — this time I brought back cord necklaces, dried figs, and fig-based sweets. 🫣