Spain
Santa Maria de Montserrat
High in the rocky mountains of Catalonia, this monastic complex can trace its roots to the dawn of Christianity.
About
Tradition states that St. Luke carved the statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat around 50 AD, which was brought to Spain and hidden from the Moors in a mountain cave. It was rediscovered in 880 AD, and shortly after, four chapels had sprung up on the site, of which one still remains. The Monastery, located near the top of a 4,000-foot mountain, is home to about 80 monks who welcome visitors to join Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours. Next to the monastery, the neo-Gothic Basilica houses the Black Virgin, and is also home to one of the oldest and most renowned boys' choirs in Europe, who sing every day at 1:00PM. To see the Holy Grotto where the Black Virgin was discovered, a funicular brings visitors halfway and the rest of the trip must be made on foot.
Practical
Book today with Daytrip - risk free!
Make changes to your booking or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.
