Базилика Девы Марии Монсерратской, Benedictine basilica in Montserrat, Spain
The Basilica of the Black Madonna of Montserrat is a large house of worship that combines baroque and modern architectural elements. The interior features an expansive central nave with a vaulted ceiling and is supported by massive columns that carry the entire structure.
The basilica was built in the 16th century, but Napoleon's forces destroyed it during the Spanish War of Independence in the early 1800s. The reconstruction that followed shaped the building you see today.
The Black Madonna is the heart of this place and draws pilgrims from around the world. You can feel the deep devotion people hold for this figure as it sits high above the altar.
You can reach the monastery by rack railway or cable car from Barcelona, which makes the mountain climb easier. Plan extra time for your journey since the basilica sits in a mountainous setting and the ascent requires some physical effort.
Four wooden prophet sculptures by Josep Llimona from 1896 stand on the central columns of the nave representing Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Daniel. These carved figures are rare examples of the artistic craftsmanship of that era and often go unnoticed by visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
