The little monastery soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin. In the monastery of Montserrat became an independent abbey. From to , a period in which the monastery underwent great reforms, growing and increasing in splendour , Montserrat was part of the Valladolid Congregation.
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Monastery of Montserrat became a cultural centre of the first order. Alternative Name. Santa Maria de Montserrat. Building Category.
Australia, Anzac and History. You May Also Like. The 10 Best Historic Sites in Spain. Spanish Civil War Historical Locations. Girona Arab Baths. Some of them are engaged in scientific theological and musical activities in particular, with boys of the church choir. At the monastery there is the Biblioteca de Montserrat, a scientific library of hundreds of thousands of volumes, including hundreds of valuable manuscripts.
It is accessible only to major male scientists. The printing house at the monastery is one of the first and best in the country. The Montserrat Mountain and Monastery is the main religious shrine and national symbol of Catalonia. Major events in the life of the Catalans are often accompanied by a visit to the monastery to worship the Virgin of Montserrat. Montserrat is one of the most popular female names in Catalonia. The Catalan shrine is a copy of the original centimetre statue of the Virgin Mary, dated to the end of the 12th century, in golden garments, made of poplar wood.
The face of the Virgin Mary, as well as the baby Jesus — an unusual dark color. It is believed that the oxidized lacquer that coated these parts of the sculpture painted them. According to another version, they were colored from oil lamps and candles that were constantly burning in front of the statue. It is considered proven that in the 12th century the face and hands of Madonna were covered with leaded whitewash.
During the restoration of the XVI century, the fragments darkened over the centuries were painted chestnut, which continued to darken after that. Thin and carefully written features create an expressive and gentle face, from which blows a friendly calmness. The status of the greatest saint is confirmed by the gilded crown. The colourful 16th century handkerchief, decorated with beautiful patterns and ornaments on a white background, covers the head and shoulders. The figure of the Virgin Mary is dominated by Romanesque proportions.
In the right hand Black Madonna holds a sphere symbolizing the power over the universe. With a gesture of the left hand the Mother of God protects the Child. The hands of the statue could not withstand the continuous touching of many believers and were replaced. Now the main part of the sculpture is behind the glass cover: you can only touch the sphere in the right hand of the Black Madonna. The figure of the Child is even later — the first quarter of the XIX century, so it should not be searched for Romanesque features.
It is assumed that by the time of this restoration the face and hands had already acquired a black shade, and the entire sculpture was colored anew. The current statue is constantly being visited by believers striving to worship the shrine, touch the hand and make a wish. There is a room in the cathedral where those who prayed to the Virgin Mary bring proof of the prayers that have come true — crutches, used wedding dresses, etc.
The Feast of the Madonna of Montserrat is celebrated annually on April On the territory of the monastery there is a Museo de Montserrat with several permanent exhibitions:.
Working hours of the museum: a. Unlike the monastery, the entrance to the museum is paid: it costs 7 EUR.
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