MONTSERRAT, CATALONIA

Montserrat (jagged mountain in english) is unusually shaped, which makes it so attractive; I suppose this is the reason why a monastery was founded here on the XI century and, although Napoleon's troops totally destroyed it and killed the mooks, a Benedictine successor is there and very much alive. The Dark Virgin, a XII century wooden sculpture, is venerated there and is host to lots of pilgrims.
The mountain is some 50 kilometers from the great city of Barcelona and constitutes one of Catalonia's big attractions. Aditionally it gave its name to the homonym island in the Caribbean - but visually I do not see any coherence on this. I tend to say that, when in Barcelona, a day-visit here is an absolute must. The monastery is very big, very well maintained and includes, in addition to the Sanctuary of La Moreneta (the Dark Lady), a museum, a library and a boys' choir performing almost every day. Beyond the religious complex, the mountain itself deserves to be walked and climbed; it is  now a Natural Park and is well structured for allowing the visitors great views. Enjoy your visit!