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❖Courtyard, St. Maria Montserrat Monastery, Spain, 2009[open in full screen]  

 
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On the mountain of Montserrat at 1236m above sea stands a waste Benedicine abbey and monastery of Santa Maria. By 9th century there were already four chapels on this spot and in 11th century monastery was founded. Great numbers of pilgrims, especially during middle ages forced enlargement and in 1592 great basilica of Monserrat was finished, constructed, legend say, actually around the sanctuary.

   This is where statue of famous 'Black Virgin of Montserrat" is kept above an altar of gold [photo bellow]. Even today pilgrims stand in long line patiently waiting to touch the world famous Madonna. [Photo bellow left]

During the Franco's rule this was a place of refuge for scholars, artists, politicians and students. Fascinating mountain is also regularly attracting great number of young people. They are tracking the mountain and ending the trip with visit to the monastery. Regular visitors are pleased that funicular, air gondola and special mountain train are all available to take us to the top.

   This courtyard is in-front of the main entrance to basilica, psychologically preparing the visitors to the monumental basilica and of course above mentioned sanctuary. Interestingly enough [I personally think that this is not by accident] paving, contributing significantly to the sanctity of the place, is almost exact copy of the paving on the famous Michelangelo's Campidoglio square in Rome, of course also in our collection.

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  Courtyard, St. Maria de Montserrat Monastery, Spain  
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Last time updated on December 31, 2020 17:31