Story: A Journey to Montserrat Abbey
Episode: 7
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 26th February 2023

Join Trevor on a spiritual adventure to the breathtaking Montserrat Abbey, where he discovers the captivating history and culture of the Black Madonna.

• Located 45 km northwest of Barcelona, the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is a must-see destination for any traveller seeking to explore the stunning Catalan countryside.
• After a scenic drive, visitors can board a train at Monistrol de Montserrat station and enjoy a short uphill journey to the abbey, which sits over 4,000 feet above the valley.
• With its centuries-old history, including pre-Christian significance and the founding of the abbey in 1025, Montserrat Mountain offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
• The monastery is perched on a mountain peak over 4,000 feet above the valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• The abbey is also home to the Black Virgin, a 12th-century figure enthroned above the high altar in the basilica, and the oldest music school in Europe, the Escolania, which has been educating students since 1307.
• The Black Madonna is often associated with miracles and healing powers. Many people make pilgrimages to Black Madonna shrines in hopes of receiving blessings or cures for illnesses.
• Around 50 choirboys from the Escolania de Montserrat, the oldest music school in Europe, sing church songs every day in the basilica, including Salve Regina and Virolai.
• The area surrounding the monastery is popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
• Visitors can even learn about the daily lives of the monks who call this stunning location home.

For more information:
https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/