SPAIN
The abbey and the Black Madonna of Montserrat
his is a stunning day trip only around an hour from Barcelona. Montserrat (which means «serrated mountain») is a stunning mountain range in Catalonia but also «hides» a beautiful abbey with extraordinary views and the black Madonna, one of the most celebrated images in Spain.
The exact date when the Black Madonna of Montserrat was made is unknown, but it is believed to date back to the 12th century
The monastery is 48km northwest of Barcelona and can be reached by road, train or cable car. We travelled by bus to the cable car station – and actually got to watch the weekend festivities with people dressed like giants, dancing to traditional tunes. The cable car is a nice option to sit back and enjoy the view for your quick trip uphill. We got out of the cable car to a beautiful village-like place, with a market selling traditional and locally made products.
Initial construction of the basilica of Montserrat began in the 16th century, and its complete reconstruction began in the year 1811, after being destroyed in the Peninsular War. When you walk in the abbey, take a minute to look up around. Decorated with sgraffiti and statues, it takes your breath away. Inside, the statue of Virgin of Montserrat is located on a balcony right across the entrance, where people can visit to make their wish.
The exact date when the Black Madonna of Montserrat was made is unknown, but it is believed to date back to the 12th century. Some sources suggest it might have been created even earlier, around the 9th century, but the statue as we see it today is likely from the Romanesque period.
Legend has it that the Benedictine monks could not move the statue to construct their monastery, choosing to instead build around it. Another one says the statue was hidden in a cave to protect it from invaders, and it was later found by local shepherds. The statue’s sanctuary is located at the rear of the chapel, where an altar of gold surrounds the icon.
The statue is said to be granting wishes and miracles on one’s health and, according to tradition, when your wish is granted, you have to return to the statue to bring a related object (i.e. if you were wishing for a child and you get pregnant, you return with a pacifier). Then you get to see all the colorful candles, all lit from the blessed candle that never goes out. It’s a remarkable experience you must live at least once.
+ FOOD
If you take a guided tour this is included in the end, if you don’t, make sure to include it. Hop over to the shop, try coca. The word coca—plural coques—comes from Dutch during the Carolingian Empire, and shares the same roots as the English “cake” and the German “Kuchen”.
We tried the simplest version, which was just bread with sugar (and it was delicious), but there are varieties.
A coca with no filling is called coca nua Open or covered. The covered coca is a coca with its filling on the inside. It can be both sweet and salty.
There’s also liquor tasting where you get to try five different flavors of a local liquor.
When you walk down the street you will get to the balcony where you can bask at the incredible views of the mountains below, but also get a full picture of the monastery and the unique mountain peaks. I realize it’s a great location if you want a day (or a weekend) away from the city. Even with all the tourists and visitors, you can’t help but relax on a place like this.