Montserrat Monastery

Benedictine abbey at 721m in the Montserrat massif — pilgrimage site, Catalan cultural icon, and home of the famous Black Madonna.

The Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat sits at 721 metres elevation in the jagged Montserrat massif, about 40 kilometres northwest of Barcelona. It is one of Spain most important pilgrimage destinations and a central symbol of Catalan identity that extends well beyond the Catholic Church. At the heart of the monastery is La Moreneta — a black wooden image of the Virgin Mary from the 12th century, venerated by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. Around 70 Benedictine monks live here according to the Rule of St. Benedict. The spectacular setting among craggy rock formations offers sweeping panoramic views and great hiking trails on the mountain.