Monastery of Montserrat (Spain). Statue of the Black Madonna and other places of interest

A very interesting attraction is the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat (Spain). How to get to it, many tourists are interested. It is a religious and spiritual symbol of the province of Catalonia, as well as the main center of pilgrimage. Over its exterior and interior, many artists and sculptors worked 19-20 centuries. Therefore, it is not surprising that the monastery of Montserrat is so popular with pilgrims. Spain considers it one of the items of national pride. From the rock carved an altar, and then richly adorned with silver.

In the creation and decoration of the altar chapel, Antoni Gaudi, an internationally renowned and talented architect, took an active part. The main hall of the cathedral looks very solemn and magnificent. Here is a black sculpture of Maria Montserratskaya. Her silver throne as a sign of reconciliation after the Civil War was made at the expense of ordinary people. The statue is one of the main, but not the only landmark that Montserrat Monastery (Spain) has.

It is home to hundreds of Benedictine monks. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Annually about 2 million pilgrims come here. Of course, most of all people are attracted to the basilica statue of the Black Madonna. The leading geographic services were noted as an important tourist attraction of the monastery of Montserrat (Spain) on the map. The legend says that if a person makes a wish and kisses the hand of the Black Madonna, then it will certainly come true. This especially helps people who can not conceive a child.

In the right hand of the statue is a sphere that symbolizes the earth that the Creator created. Her left hand is on the shoulder of the baby. A baby child represents the almighty king. His left hand grasps the cone - a symbol of longevity and fertility. With his right hand he blesses.

Why is the sculpture black? This is the main question that interests people attending the monastery of Montserrat. Spain is a Catholic country, which a priori implies piety. However, the explanations that exist are very mundane. According to one version, the Madonna symbolizes the earth, so the color is as well. Another explanation is that the statue is made of wood that has darkened with time or because of candlelight. Some believe that it is covered with a special lacquer layer. However, whatever version is true, the Black Madonna continues to attract pilgrims to the monastery of Montserrat. Spain earns very good money on tourism.

On the territory of the basilica there is a very interesting museum, which displays works of monks (iconography), jewelry, archaeological finds from the Middle East, painting and much more. The monastery is famous for its huge library, where many medieval manuscript books are kept. The monastery printing house is one of the oldest in the country. Therefore, tourists will have something to see here.