There is no single unified story which explains the many mysteries and facts that have taken place in Montserrat mountain over the years. Also no rational explanation neither when it comes to describe the magic feeling that comes off this mountain. And that might be the key for Montserrat to still keep its spirituality intact.
There are a lot of stories, and we will try to explain the most enigmatic and curious historic facts, which contribute to make this place even more mysterious. Legends, myths and History from which reasons are given to keep referring to Montserrat mountain as “magic”. Ready for the adventure?
Montserrat mountain: caves, hermitages and mystical paths
The special orography of this place doesn’t go unnoticed: caves with centuries of history and hermitages which prove this mountain to be inhabited in the past. Actually, during the Middle Ages, there was an important hermit life going in Montserrat mountain. If you like History and nature, you will be glad to know that there are many routes to discover this place by foot, and even routes to explore the many hermitages hidden in the mountain, among them: Santa Cecília, Sant Bener, Sant Joan, Santa Magdalena, Sant Miquel i Sant Jeroni.
Two fountains called “liars” (Les Mentideres)
And they are called that for a reason. These two interior fountains run loosely through the mountain, but here is the curious fact: after days of drought, water from these fountains keeps gushing out. So it is believed that Montserrat mountain keeps a large interior tank (but still, not proved).
La Moreneta
It is said that in 880 “La Moreneta” was found in a cave (called la Santa Cova) by a group of shepherds who were guided to her following a mysterious light. The Bishop of Olesa de Montserrat ordered to transport this finding to the city of Manresa, but something strange happened while carrying out the bishop’s order: this figure of La Moreneta became heavier as they moved away from the cave. It might be her will, they thought, of staying in the place where she was found out. So they decided to leave la Moreneta in that same place, and even more: an hermitage was built around her, a place that today we call Santuari de Santa Maria, the monastery.
UFOs
Montserrat mountain has always been surrounded by magic and mystery, so it is no surprise that ufology is also present in this mystic imaginary that involves this place. For decades it has been said that light sightings can be perceived from this area. This is why there are reunions periodically in Montserrat attended by ufology enthusiasts.
The Holy Grail
It might sound like an Indiana Jones’ mission, but the truth is that the III Reich of Adolf Hitler, commanded by Himmler, came to Montserrat to find the Holy Grail. Himmler’s aim was to find valuable information on Perceval, knight of King Arthur, with the final goal of taking over the hidden powers capable of helping them win the war. As of today, nobody knows with certainty what he could find out. But one thing is clear: truth is stranger than fiction.
Cavall Bernat peak
Cavall Bernat is one of the highest peaks of Montserrat (and probably the most iconic). and hides a popular legend behind itself.
Legend has it that there was a lumberjack who lived in a village near Montserrat. His work was hard and sacrificed, as he had to cut and transport firewood to nearby villages. One day the devil proposed to him to make a deal: he would lend him a horse called “Bernat” to help him in his work. In return, after 10 years, the lumberjack should give the devil a horse of similar conditions. The lumberjack became rich, and after 10 years the devil reminded him of the promise he made. But he forgot. So his wife prayed to Mare de Déu and a powerful light illuminated the village.
After that strange phenomenon, the devil and the horse Bernat disappeared, and in its place appeared a giant stone which today we call “Cavall Bernat”. One of the most emblematic peaks of Montserrat.
For more information on how to get to Montserrat mountain and tickets, visit www.montserratvisita.com
And if you want to keep exploring areas with History and hidden stories, here is our recommendation of a place which also has some kind of mystical (and bohemian) feeling: Weekend getaway, from Barcelona to Cadaqués.