Festa Patronal de la Verge de MontserratHonouring the black Virgin
Address: Monastir de Montserrat - Montserrat
08199 - Outside Barcelona
Barcelona
Nearest Bus or Train:Plaça Espanya
Open Hours:Monastery open 9a-6p M-Su
Montserrat is Catalonia's sacred mountain. The Abbey was built here in the 16th century and it houses the 12th century Romanesque statue of the Virgin - affectionately called la Moreneta(little brown one) because of her dark skin. A religious service is held in her honour on April 27th. People come from all over Catalonia, some on foot and some on their knees, to fulfill religious promises. The monastery has a museum with some wonderful Renaissance and Baroque paintings by Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters. There's also a Museum of Modern Painting with works by Catalan artists. Don't miss the Montserrat Boys Choir singing the Salve Montserratina and the Virolai - daily at 1p and 7:20p.
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