"Montserrat in Catalunya" Monistrol de Montserrat by gusev

Monistrol de Montserrat Travel Guide: 98 reviews and 397 photos

Black Madonna of Montserrat

To see and to venerate the statue of Madonna with Child is the main objective of most of the visitors of the Montserrat Abbey built at a picturesque site on the mountain of Montserrat in Catalunya. The statue is know as La Moreneta, or the dark little one.
The Catalans believe that the statue works miracles. That is why it is the objective of pilgrimage by thousands of people - not only foreing tourists.
The statue is said to have been discovered in a nearby cave in the 9th century. They were led to the cave by a light illuminating the area from there. There is a chapel at that site at present.
Napoleon is said to have been trying to capture the Montserrat Abbey for some reason.

Abbey courtyard

Montserrat religious complex

Just outside the Montserrat Abbey

To be continued

Pros and Cons

Pros:Marvellous scenery; not far from Barcelona
Cons:not very fit people will find it difficult to see all the beauties of the site
In a nutshell:One needn't be religious to enjoy places of worship

Last visit to Monistrol de Montserrat: Sep 2002
Intro Written May 31, 2003
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Reviews (4)

Black Madonna pendants Shopping (1)

A souvenir shop sells jewellry, books, slides, statuettes and what not. Silver or gold Black Madonna pendants. Silver... more travel advice

Beware of steep steps and paths Warnings and Dangers (1)

You need to be quite fit to see everything in the area. The Sacred Cave seems not far away from the main attractions but... more travel advice

Nice food plus fresh air Restaurants (1)

Very tasty local meals Good coffee Fresh snacks All at affordable prices The Abat Cisneros restaurant is also good... more travel advice

Black Madonna Things to Do (1)

Although you will have to stand in a long long queue, you will get full satisfaction eventually. Madonna is a marvellous... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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Sininen Dec 29, 2005 at 11:17 AM

Hello Alex! I enjoyed your Montserrat page. The photo of the Black Madonna is excellent. I was there soem year ago with a friend and in spite of heavy rain we still enjoyed our visit there. Greetings from Finland, Sini
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seamandrew Aug 1, 2005 at 1:30 PM

I completely agree with the tip on local foods. Good stuff there. I certainly enjoyed my day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona.
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BerniShand Dec 14, 2003 at 4:52 AM

really good tips, and the photo of the Black Madonna is lovely, thanks for sharing