Monasteries have long been spiritual and cultural powerhouses — centers of prayer, learning, and artistic devotion. Whether set in remote mountains or thriving cities, they offer travelers a window into a life shaped by faith and contemplation. But this year, one monastery stands out: Montserrat.
In 2025, the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat celebrates its 1,000th anniversary — a milestone few places in the Christian world can claim. Even more remarkably, this momentous occasion coincides with the Church’s universal Jubilee, a year of grace and renewal.
Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking spiritual depth or a traveler drawn by history and natural beauty, there’s never been a better time to visit. Here’s why.
1. A thousand years of faith and history
Founded in 1025, Montserrat has been a beacon of faith, attracting monks, scholars, and pilgrims for a millennium. This year’s Jubilee offers a rare chance to step into that history through special liturgies, exhibitions, and concerts celebrating the monastery’s enduring presence. Walking through Montserrat in its 1,000th year means joining a story that has shaped Catalonia — and beyond — for 10 centuries.
2. A sacred crossroads of pilgrimage
Montserrat is not just a destination — it’s a meeting point of two of Europe’s most famous pilgrimage routes. The Way of St. James, leading to Santiago de Compostela, passes through here, as does the Ignatian Way, which retraces the steps of St. Ignatius of Loyola on his path to conversion.
It was here, in 1522, that Ignatius, a former soldier recovering from injury, made a life-changing decision. He spent a night in vigil before the Black Madonna, left his sword at her feet, and embraced a life of poverty and service. This moment marked the beginning of his journey toward founding the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). For those following in his footsteps, Montserrat remains a pivotal stop — a place to pause, reflect, and commit to a new path.
3. The Black Madonna: A pilgrim’s encounter
At the heart of Montserrat’s spiritual life is La Moreneta, the beloved Black Madonna. Tradition holds that her statue was miraculously discovered in a cave, and she has drawn pilgrims for centuries. From popes and kings to ordinary travelers, many have sought her intercession. This Jubilee year invites all who visit to experience this sacred encounter in a deeper way, whether through prayer, gratitude, or personal renewal.
4. The sound of a thousand years
Montserrat is home to one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned boys’ choirs, the Escolania, whose voices have filled the basilica for centuries. Their daily hymn to the Virgin Mary is a highlight of any visit. For the monastery’s millennial year, the choir will perform special concerts, allowing visitors to experience the monastery’s musical tradition in an even more profound way.
5. A natural church
The jagged peaks of Montserrat are as breathtaking as its basilica. The mountain’s hiking trails lead to hermitages, panoramic viewpoints, and places of solitude perfect for contemplation. For those seeking to combine physical and spiritual renewal, this year’s Jubilee is an opportunity to experience Montserrat not just as a religious site but as a sanctuary of creation itself.
A journey of grace
Every monastery has a story, but Montserrat’s is one of extraordinary significance in 2025. A thousand years of faith, a meeting place of pilgrims, and a Jubilee year of renewal — this is a pilgrimage worth making.
Whether you come to walk in the footsteps of St. Ignatius, pray before La Moreneta, or simply stand in awe of the sacred mountain, Montserrat is ready to welcome you.
