Perched high on a
mountain lies the magnificent monastery of Montserrat.
Montserrat means "serrated mountains" and looking at the jagged
peaks explains why. The monastery is Catalonia's holiest
place. It is surrounded by ancient chapels and hermit caves in
what once an almost inaccessible area. The first mention of this
outstanding monument was in the 9th century. It was expanded
in the 11th century and again in the 15th century when it was made
independent of Rome. Unfortunately it was destroyed by the French in
the war of independence of 1811. The monastery was rebuilt in
1844 . It is still inhabited by monks. Now one of the area's
main tourist attractions it remains one of the most impressive
buildings in the region.
