The Monserrat Monastery located about 60 minutes from Barcelona is named for the jagged peaks that surround this medieval sanctuary. It is still home to 20-30 Benedict monks as well as a school renowned for teaching music to young boys. There is a boys choral event daily but our visit did not coincide with the timing.

We were concerned about the views we might missp as fog engulfed the peaks just as we arrived. Hoping for improved weather later we chose to take time to visit the monastery before heading out for a walk.

The area has a rich history including being at the cross roads for three major pilgrimages. It is both strategically as well as religiously important so culturally it is revered by the people of Catalonia.

The significance of the site was not lost on Napoleon who took great effort to destroy most of the site in the 1800’s despite its remote location.

Now rebuilt it is one of the most visited sites in Spain.

The forces of nature are said to focus energy from the rocks near the centre of the entrance to the basilica so bestowing mythical (non christian) as well as Catholic significance.

Housing an ancient Black Madonna which legend claims that this statue was discovered when light was seen piercing the sky from a local cave. The miraculous find soon became an important pilgrimage site. Authorities of that time thought it was best to move Mary’s statue to a better location to accommodate the influx of people

The legend further explores the power of the Madonna indicating as they carried the statue away from the mountains it became too heavy to carry. So they turned back and miraculously it became lighter as they returned to the mountain.

Having returned home, ultimately the town and basilica grew to accommodate the many pilgrims who seek to touch the item in hopes of healing or redemption.