| Montserrat, Catalonia's Most Holy Place |
We were pleased with ourselves for opting for the bus and train tour to Montserrat, rather than driving ourselves. Viewing the jagged backdrop of Montserrat's "serrated peaks" through the fog was our most powerful experience here. We could barely make out the monastery nestled among the mountains as we arrived on the train. All the photos but the close-up of the Black Virgin are by Jan . |
Humans have been here since 3,000 B.C., and the hermitage called Santa Maria dates from the time of the Visigoths before the Arab invasion in 711. The basilica, which took 32 years to build, was consecrated in 1592. In 1812, Napoleon destroyed the monastery, leaving mostly ruins. In 1880 The Black Virgin became the Patron Saint of Catalonia; in 1947, the sacred image was installed on her new throne in the basilica. The 1990s saw much restoration. Top left: The only original building remaining Bottom left: The vaulting of the Basilica |
| The facade of the Basilica and the sculpture of the apostles over the door. |
| Above: The revered wooden statue of The Black Virgin dating from the 12th century. This photo is from the book, All Montserrat. |
A chandelier in the Basilica that looks like it belongs in the old Buckhorn Saloon in San Antonio. |
Stained Glass: "The Flight into Egypt" |
I hope you have enjoyed my photos. They represent only a tiny few of all the beautiful sights at Montserrat! Here's an excellent website that can fill in many missing details: www.virtourist.com/europe/montserrat/index.html ---Jan |