Montserrat is the site of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery, considered the holiest spot in Catalonia and a symbol of Catalan resistance to Spain.

La Moreneta ("Dark Maiden"), or Black Madonna, is the core of Montserrat's holy symbolism. According to legend it was carved by St. Luke and brought to Montserrat by St. Peter in 50 AD, then hidden from the moors in the Santa Cova (holy cave) just down the mountain from the monastery. In fact it was probably carved in the 12th century.


 

 

 

Montserrat

Inside the Basilica

La Moreneta

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