A Week Exploring Barcelona

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Saturday, 24 April 2004 - Left Barcelona for a day trip to Montserrat the rugged mountain retreat and home to the ancient Benedictine monastery. Joined a small tour group to explore the monastery, admired the dramatic rock formations and views from high above the Catalan lowlands, visited the church of Mare de Déu de Montserrat with its revered La Moreneta (the Black Virgin) and listened to the boys choir, enjoyed the art exhibits and historic spaces, then returned to Barcelona for dinner.

Barcelona 2004
The day started out with a trip to Montserrat. Montserrat (mont - mountain and serrat - serrated) is 30 miles west of Barcelona. We opted for an English group tour to get there and were in luck there were only six of us so it was a very personal tour. These mountains are the highest point in the Catalan lowlands and are centrally located.
Barcelona 2004
The most important religious retreat in Catalonia is the church at Montserrat - Mare de Due de Montserrat. Athletes come on pilgrimages praying that competitions are won. Young people like to come here from Barcelona and watch the sunrise from the heights.
Barcelona 2004
The church and a Benedictine monastery are nestled among the towers and crags of the mountains. The monastery has been in service for 1000 years. Currently, there are about 80 monks who follow the Order of Saint Benedict.
Barcelona 2004
The entrance to the church is in a small plaza. Construction was begun in the 16th century. The current facade dates from 1901 and the interior was restored after its destruction during the Napoleonic wars in 1811.
Barcelona 2004
La Moreneta (the black virgin), Catalonia's favorite saint, resides high above the altar. Each day a boys choir sings at 1200 - all the tourists pack into the church to hear the choir. The Benedictine monastery sponsors a music school for young boys aged 8-13 - it is the oldest boys' choir in Europe.
Barcelona 2004
Cal and Virginia Ann in a brief photo opp leaving the church.
Barcelona 2004
Monserrat has a wonderful art exhibit covering many well-known artists. They also allow photos. Regiment on the March by Josep Cusachs - 1892
Barcelona 2004
Pornic Beach - Auguste Renoir - 1892
Barcelona 2004
Isl Saint-Louis - Santiago Rusinol - 1890 The Island or St Louis is one of our favorite places in Paris so this was a unique find in Spain.
Barcelona 2004
El Mariner - Salvador Dali - 1926
Barcelona 2004
Sta. Magdalena - El Greco - 1576
Barcelona 2004
Little Girl and Her Companion - Francese Gimeno - 1891. This painting was fun because Rebecca, one of the couples on the tour with us (Gary and Rebecca Johnson) is a nurse specializing in the use of animals to speed recovery.
Barcelona 2004
Montmarte - Ramon Casas - 1892
Barcelona 2004
Dinner was at a restaurant suggested by the hotel - Restaurante Tipico. It was great fun. The waiter was excellent and the dinner great.
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