2023 Thursday Nov. 16

Barcelona, Spain (Monserrat)

We boarded buses to drive to Montserrat outside Barcelona. This is an ancient site first documented in 888. Chapels and abbeys are built into the nooks on the side of the mountains. The main church is from the Late Modern period as it had to be rebuilt after being destroyed by Napoleonic troops in 1811.

The Virgin of Montserrat was declared Patron Saint of Catalonia in 1881. In 1947 after the death of monks in the Civil War, the Virgin was enthroned on her silver throne.

Besides a religious site, there is a school for scholastic and musical training for pre-pubescent boys.

There is a funicular that operates to take visitors to the top of the mountain.
The funicular station also houses the cable car station that goes down the mountains towards Barcelona.
The church with its semicircular chapel as seen from the parking lot.
This cloister portion is one of the few areas that survived the pillaging in the early 18th century.
The outer doors of the church.
Inside, it is possible to file past the Virgin who is on her throne at the altar.
Mosaics decorate the pathway and ceilings for those on their way to see the Virgin.
St. Mary of Montserrat is a polychrome and gold Romanesque wooden statue from the end of the 12th century. Her right hand holds the orb or sphere of the universe while her left hand is raised to protect the child and present him to watching worshippers. The orb is iconography from the early Roman Empire. It was first applied to Christ and also the Virgin to signify supreme power over the orb of earth. both are crowned, draped in golden tunics, and the Virgin wears a man photo on, a short veil covering her head and shoulders. The child blesses with his right hand and holds a pine cone in his left hand (symbol of fertility and eternal life). He wears a neck brooch. The color of the Virgin and child is probably due to oxidation of the varnish and effects of candle smoke.
Inside the church, it is possible to observe the Virgin and child.
Visitors file past as you can see from the church aisles below.
Looking out into the church from the Virgin’s throne.
Stained glass windows in the chapel near the Virgin.
Another view of the chapel near the Virgin.
There is a large patio for worshippers waiting to go into the church. The music school is nearby as well as housing for the schoolboys.
The view from the mountain looking back towards Barcelona.

Comments:

Dan Hendry: Great excursion! Sooo many places to visit around Barcelona. Loved your pictures. You have had great ports to visit. Too bad they didn’t port for several days. Enjoy your upcoming “down” time on your Atlantic journey. Don’t go to stir-crazy. 2023/11/23 at 2:00 am

Kathy Nichols: All your pictures have been incredible, but these take the cake. The church, the chapel, the stained glass and the mosaic- all breathtaking. I hope the remaining days of your trip are enjoyable. You both look hale and hearty so obviously this trip has agreed with you. I miss you both and look forward to your return. 2023/11/26 at 1:08 am

Reply: We were hale and hearty until a short setback. Feeling much better after breaking out last night, but we’re still wearing masks and staying out of crowds as much as possible. I will be interested to find out your favorite spots we visited. 2023/11/26 at 3:52 pm