Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey

Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey sits on Mendiola Street with a Neo-Gothic exterior and richly decorated Neo-Baroque interior featuring ornate ceiling paintings and detailed architectural embellishments. The building showcases Spanish ecclesiastical design adapted to its tropical setting.

Spanish Benedictine monks founded the abbey in 1895 during the final years of Spanish colonial rule, establishing a monastic community on the islands. The foundation occurred when religious institutions were reshaping their presence across the Philippines.

The monastery maintains connections with San Beda University, blending Benedictine educational values with spiritual services for the surrounding community. This partnership shapes how the religious community engages with local life and education.

The abbey is open to visitors during the day, particularly in early morning when daily prayers take place, or during regular mass schedules held on different weekdays. It is best to confirm current visiting times through their official channels, as schedules may vary seasonally.

The interior contains murals completed in 2010 that tell the story of the Benedictine community through detailed artistic scenes. These artworks document key moments from monastic life and its role in the region's spiritual history.