Education logo

THE MONTSERRAT CAVE

The Black Madona

By Anne McBridePublished 6 months ago 3 min read
Like
THE MONTSERRAT CAVE
Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

The Montserrat mountain is known for its mythology in Spanish culture, located near Barcelona, Spain. It was common knowledge that the Romans and Greeks once had great value. Barcelona is roughly 30 kilometers (18.6411 miles) away from the mountain. At its highest peak in Sant Jeroni, it reaches a height of about 1,236 meters (0.7680148 miles).

The name is based on the silhouette's appearance. Like the teeth of a saw. The name Montserrat is defined as 'mountain', while 'Serrat' is defined serrated mountain'. Beautiful mountain with cared rocks.

The Benedictine monastery, which is home to the Virgin of Barcelona, is widely known as 'la moreneta'. The dark color of the carving, which is of Romanesque origin from the 12th century, is the reason for this. The monastery appears to have been carved into the mountain from a distance. It can be observed from a distance that it was made by human hands. Along with a strange looking stairs that leads no where, but in the air.

Historic legends say, in 880, a group of shepiards were out near the cave. Only to be blinded by a light. Once they were able to see again. A statue of Our Lady of Lords, the Virgin Mary, stood before them. Along with angels playing musical instramits. The statue was forever known as the Black Mondona. Pope Leo XIII in 1844 had appinted a new name upon her, “the Virgin of Montserrat the patroness of Catalonia,” and the statue still stands there today.

The Benedictine monastery, which is home to the Virgin of Barcelona, is widely known as 'la moreneta'. The dark color of the carving, which is of Romanesque origin from the 12th century, is the reason for this. The monastery appears to have been carved into the mountain from a distance. It can be observed from a distance that it was made by human hands. Along with a strange looking stairs that lead no where, but in the air.

Historic legends say, in 880, a group of shepherds were out near the cave. Only to be blinded by a light. Once they were able to see again. A statue of Our Lady of Lords, the Virgin Mary, stood before them. Along with angels playing musical instramits. The statue was forever known as the Black Mondona. Pope Leo XIII in 1844 had appinted a new name upon her, “the Virgin of Montserrat the patroness of Catalonia,” and the statue still stands there today.

Strange happenings occur with the aging of the varnish that covers of the monastery. But apart from all these peculiarities, the mountain offers more points of interest. I am not referring to the number of ufological sightings that numerous witnesses have claimed, with the occur in its surroundings. No, today I want to talk to you about the interior.

The caves of the Montserrat are not so well known, except for those that know the legend and seek religious pilgramage. But it is a visit that will not leave you indifferent. They house stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. You have to be aware that for one of these formations to reach one centimeter. Are about a hundred years passed. The caves are known by other names that are still valid today, such as: the Salnitre caves or the Collbató caves.

The caves were accessed after climbing a staircase of more than 200 steps. The internal route does not reach a kilometer in distance, and during the journey you must also climb stairs. The indoor temperature throughout the year is around 14 degrees Celsius (57.2 F), so don’t forget to wear some kind of jacket and although it is illuminated from the inside. It is advised to bring a flashlight.

The experience of knowing the bowels of the most mythical mountain in Barcelona is unforgettable. Few people can say that they have done it, due to their ignorance. In short, a different visit to Montserrat, be worth your while. Excspialy to those who seek adventure.

travel
Like

About the Creator

Anne McBride

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.