Set in a range of rocks seemingly appearing out of nowhere up to their peak of 1,236m, Montserrat has been at the centre of power struggles for the region of Catalonia s well as being an important religious site. Meaning 'serrated mountain', the monastery at the heart of Montserrat was first mentioned in the 9th century. More recently, the monastery was key in preserving the culture and language of Catalonia during the Franco regime. It remains important to Catalonians because of the cult of Mare de Deu de Montserrat, or as she is popularly known La Moreneta, the black Madonna housed in the Basilica. The Benedictine abbey has also become known for its boys choir and school of music.
The Monastery and small village in the centre are accessed by a cable car or funicular, and further funiculars allow some of the higher areas and disused hermitages to be explored.
| Ascending to Montserrat | |
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The Monastery |
| Climbing higher |
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