Visiting the Monastery of Montserrat in Spain is a great way to experience the rich heritage of the area. There are plenty of interesting facts to find about this monastery, including the traditions and dining options available. It's also worth taking a look at the area's UFO sightings and the Saints who once resided there.

Saints of Montserrat Monastery

Founded in the 11th century, the Montserrat Monastery is one of the most popular religious sites in Spain. It is known for its famous Black Madonna. Aside from being a devotional image, Our Lady of Montserrat has also been the patron saint of all dioceses in Catalonia. The monastery continues to attract pilgrims today.

The Black Madonna is located in a small shrine overlooking the altar of the Basilica of Montserrat. The statue is 95cm tall and made of poplar wood. The sculpture is framed in an ornate window. The statue is carved in Romanesque style.

Aside from the Montserrat Black Madonna, there are other works of art that you can see at the monastery. The chapel of Saint Michael is a short walk from the monastery. The chapel has a replica of Our Lady of Montserrat. The monastery is home to the oldest boys' choir in Europe.

In the past, Spanish royalty would climb to the top of the mountain to visit the Virgin of Montserrat. During the Napoleonic wars, the monastery was attacked. However, this was not a permanent problem. It was repaired in the early 1800s.

UFO sightings

Despite being known as the home of the Black Madonna and the Holy Grail, Montserrat has had a number of UFO sightings. Some people believe that the holy grail is hidden within the mountain's core. Others claim that the rumored portal to Atlantis is located on the Montserrat.

Montserrat is a natural park made up of needles of calcareous formation, which emits frequencies of geobiological magnetism. Some of the formations resemble the Black Madonna with Child.

The Montserrat esplanade is a must see. The cave of Salnitre is an almost kilometer long.

The Montserrat monks have no explanation for the strange lights. However, they did find a small circular stone outside the main Basilica that emits the highest heart space energy of any place in the vicinity.

The Montserrat monks also discovered the more neophyte oriented La Moreneta, which is actually a hologram that has been carved into the calcareous rock. It is the most impressive in its time and has gained in popularity across Europe.

Traditions

Located in Spain, Montserrat is a popular pilgrimage destination and a well-known landmark. It is the second most popular pilgrimage center after Santiago de Compostela. It has a rich cultural legacy and is known for its musical and artistic traditions.

Montserrat's national emblem is a carved Irish shamrock. It is also home to the image of the Virgin of Montserrat, which is 95 cm high. Despite the Iberian and African influence, the Virgin of Montserrat is not necessarily associated with either of these groups.

According to legend, shepherd children on the island of Montserrat saw a bright light emanating from the mountain. They immediately ran to their parents, describing their experience. They were told to make a wish. Traditionally, the wish is to kiss a sphere on the hand of the Virgin of Montserrat. This symbolizes the universe.

The first Europeans to settle on the island were indentured servants from Ireland. They left their customs and traditions and blended with the local people. They were called the Caribs. By the seventeenth century, the Caribs had left the island, but their name was still used.

Dining options

Located less than an hour's drive from Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery is one of the most popular day trips outside the city. It offers great nature, scenery, and history.

The Benedictine abbey is home to 80 monks and the basilica is filled with interesting features. The museum has an extensive collection of medieval and antique art, including works by El Greco, Picasso, and Dali. It also has a collection of archaeological finds from the ancient world. The museum is open daily and has a number of discounts.

There are several restaurants around the monastery. You can choose from two sit-down formal restaurants and a laid-back bar-cafe. The restaurant is often full due to large group bookings. If you don't want to make a reservation, you can go to the cafeteria, which is the quietest place to take a coffee break. The cafeteria also sells alcoholic beverages, cakes, and soft drinks.

If you're planning an overnight trip to Montserrat, you'll want to consider dinner options. You can stay in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse close to the monastery.

Whether you are planning a day trip to Barcelona or a longer stay, there are many Montserrat excursions with a guide to choose from. There are a number of ways to get there including by train, bus, or private driver. However, you must make a booking in advance, as these tours are not available to those who do not belong to a group.

You can book guided tours to the monastery in Montserrat, but only for groups of 20 people or more. You can also opt for an audio guide for a less-guided experience.

The first thing you should do is check the timetables before you visit. You should also know that a lot of the buildings do not allow items like knives, firearms, and umbrellas. You can also find out whether you can bring large bags into the building.

The monastery itself is a stunning sight. It is a Benedictine abbey located on a mountain. There is also a Black Virgin of Montserrat that is housed inside the basilica. The abbey has been around for many centuries, dating back to the 9th century.

The Montserrat Museum is another great attraction. This museum is located in the monastery and has a number of artifacts from across the world. During your visit, you will see artwork by Catalan artists, French Impressionists, and more.

You can also hike around Montserrat for beautiful views. You can choose to take a short 45 minute-hour hike, or a longer one that takes you up the mountain and down again.