Through many wars and devastation the Basilica was started in the 16th century – the present basilica was begun in 1559 and was consecrated in 1592. As the years progressed additions and changes were made and the current, finished Basilica as you know see it was complete about 1900. Napoleon’s Army destroyed Montserrat in 1811-12. The reconstruction began in 1858. Parts of the Basilica are original.
The buildings that front the basilica are modern and do not reflect what lies behind – we were delighted by our visit to enter into another of Europe’s great Basilica’s – and paused to admire the rich Renaissance style with some Gothic features.
The Atrium of the Basilica, known as the Atrium of Abbot Argerich (18th C) was decorated in 1952-56 with designs by Josep Obiols and Father Bebet Martinez.
The black and white marble floor (1952) gets its inspiration from the floor of the Capitolium in Rome designed by Michelangelo. In the center there are allegories and a Latin inscription that refer to Baptism.
At 5pm the oldest boy's choir in Europe, the Escolania (The Montserrat Choir School) which dates back to 1223, sing for the public. It is a profound experience to sit in the Basilica, with it’s extraordinary acoustics, and listen to them sing 12 century Gregorian Chants. Arrange your schedules to take in one of their two performances per day.
The Monastery community consists of about 80 monks who follow the 6th-century Benedictine Rule. They largely dedicate their time to deepening their understanding of the religious experience, working and receiving pilgrims. The Benedictine Monks have trained this choir for the last 800 years.