Today, I am going to talk about a destination in Catalonia from which my name, Montserrat, originates. This name is very popular among Catalan women, as the Virgin of Montserrat is the patron saint of Catalonia. And what better occasion to talk about this unique place than within the framework of its 1,000-year anniversary celebration in 2025?
No matter how you look at it, Montserrat is magical. Its mysticism captivates nature and art lovers as well as Catholic believers who venerate the Virgin, known for the dark color of her face, La Moreneta. This natural park, with its rugged cliffs and distinctive morphology, is one of the most emblematic landscapes of Catalonia. Additionally, its monastery has been a symbol of identity and the preservation of the Catalan language and culture, especially during the Franco dictatorship.
Last September, the abbey kicked off the celebrations of its millennium, which will culminate in 2025. To commemorate this milestone, a program of 1,000 events has been planned over the next fifteen months. An excellent opportunity to visit! But there’s more, because there are countless reasons to discover this one-of-a-kind mountain. I will tell you all about it below:
Discover the Basilica and Its History
The Basilica of Montserrat is one of the must-visit landmarks in the province of Barcelona. This majestic temple is home to the patron saint of Catalonia, La Moreneta, and serves as an important pilgrimage site with deep religious significance. Built in 1025, it stands as a cornerstone of Catalan culture and is an essential stop for visitors. Inside the basilica, you will find the revered La Moreneta, the Black Madonna of Catalonia.
With its impressive architecture, the basilica combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, featuring a unique central nave flanked by side chapels. At the end of the 19th century, it was rebuilt after suffering damage during the Peninsular War.
One of its most remarkable features is the Cambril of the Virgin, located at the center of the altar. On the left side, you will find one of the largest organs in Europe, boasting 4,242 pipes. Its sound resonates like a therapeutic vibrational bath, creating an unforgettable experience.
Climbing to See ‘La Moreneta’
For nearly a thousand years, pilgrims from around the world have traveled to visit this sacred figure. According to legend, in the year 880, a group of shepherds discovered the image, guided by a great light. When they attempted to move it to Manresa, the figure became so heavy that they interpreted it as the Virgin’s desire to remain in Montserrat. As a result, a chapel was built in her honor.
To see La Moreneta up close, visitors must proceed through the right wing of the basilica. However, be prepared for long queues, as only a brief moment is allowed in front of the revered statue.
📅 Special Festivity: April 27, feast day of the Virgin of Montserrat.
📍 Book your visit to see La Moreneta on the monastery’s official website.
Montserrat Museum: A Cultural Gem
For lesbian art lovers, the Montserrat Museum houses one of the most important collections in Spain, featuring works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Picasso, Dalí, Monet, and Rusiñol, among others. It also boasts an archaeological collection with artifacts from Egypt, the Holy Land, and Mesopotamia.
Declared a national heritage site in 2006, the museum is located in a space designed between 1928 and 1933 by the modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Depending on the date of your visit, you may also enjoy temporary exhibitions.
📅 Opening hours and tickets: Check the museum’s official website.
The Escolania: Listen to One of the Oldest Choirs in Europe
Experiencing the Escolania de Montserrat is truly unique. This boys’ choir, active since the 14th century, is one of the oldest in Europe. Their repertoire includes pieces such as Salve and Virolai, a hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Montserrat, which holds great significance in Catalan culture.
You can listen to their performance inside the basilica, but it is essential to book a spot in advance. If you’re looking for a moment of beauty and emotion, don’t miss the performance by Escolania de Montserrat.
📍 Important: To attend a concert, you must reserve your spot in advance on the monastery’s website.
Nature at Its Best: Hiking Trails
Montserrat is not just about culture and spirituality—it’s also a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy spectacular views, hike up to the summit of Sant Jeroni (1,236 meters), the highest point of the Montserrat massif.
This circular route starts at the monastery and takes approximately four hours, with a moderate difficulty level. To shorten the hike, you can take the Sant Joan funicular to the Llano de las Taràntulas and begin from there.
Along the way, you’ll come across small hermitages such as Santa Anna, Sant Jeroni, and Sant Miquel. The ultimate reward? A breathtaking landscape that will leave you in awe.
🚠 Easy Access: Take the Sant Joan funicular to shorten the hike and enjoy privileged views.
Other Trails in the Montserrat Mountains
The Montserrat Natural Park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. One of the most popular routes leads to the Santa Cova, where, according to legend, shepherds discovered the image of the Virgin.
Other recommended trails include the Cruz de San Miguel and Els Degollats, each offering unique landscapes and a deeper connection with Montserrat’s spiritual and natural essence.
Savor Catalan Cuisine
To complete your experience, try the Catalan and Mediterranean menu at Hostal Abat Cisneros, housed in a former 16th-century stable. Another great option is Restaurant Montserrat, which offers delicious cuisine with breathtaking views of the mountains.
For a quicker meal, Buffet Montserrat & Bar de la Plaça serve sandwiches and drinks. Don’t forget to take home the traditional cocas and the Aromas de Montserrat herbal liqueur, a local specialty.
How to Get to Montserrat
🚆 Train + Rack Railway
From Barcelona, take a train to Monistrol de Montserrat, then board the scenic rack railway.
🚠 Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car
A picturesque way to reach the site.
🚗 By Car
Accessible via road with parking available.
Montserrat, a Must-Visit Destination in 2025
Visiting Montserrat in 2025 is a unique opportunity to connect with history, nature, and spirituality during a year of grand celebrations while immersing yourself in Catalan culture. From its millennial monastery to its picturesque hiking trails, this destination is perfect for lesbian travelers and LGBTQ women seeking an authentic and enriching journey through Catalonia.
Plan your visit and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Montserrat! For more information and reservations, visit the official website of the Monastery of Montserrat. Are you ready to experience Montserrat in its millennial anniversary?
did you know?
“Human beings can only find peace and happiness in their own Montserrat.”
— JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
With this phrase, Goethe places Montserrat in the European Romantic imagination, portraying it as a symbol of spiritual growth and personal evolution. True happiness, he suggests, does not reside in the external world, but within—particularly in the elevated and divine aspects of the human spirit. Montserrat becomes an idealized metaphor for the journey toward self-discovery and fulfilling one’s destiny.