A Nature Reserve where the patron saint of Catalonia is venerated

In the heart of Catalonia there is a mountain with an unusual shape and huge slabs of grey rock. It is a spectacular massif and at the top you will find a statue of the Virgen de Monserrat, patron saint of Catalonia. This nature reserve is covered with pine and holm-oak woods and is home to squirrels, boars and genets, amongst others. There are many different itineraries and guided visits that will help you discover its most hidden spots. At the peak is the majestic sanctuary dedicated to "La Morenata", the 12th century, Romanesque style statue of the Virgin Mary. The architectural site is made up of various different squares and areas, along with the basilica that was originally built in the 16th century and then rebuilt in the 19th. There you will find a hostel for pilgrims and visitors. Close by is the Benedictine Monastery, with its beautiful chapterhouse, and neo-Romanesque cloister and refectory, refubished in 1925 by the architect Puig i Cadafalch. It is also home to works by artists like Picasso, Dalí and El Greco.