One of the most memorable walks was along the path to the Holy Grotto ('St. Michael's Path') and the Monumental Rosary – very meditative experience, with its surprising views. The path is beautiful as you pass the 15 groups of sculptures corresponding to the mysteries of the Rosary. They are to be found all along the path to the Holy Grotto
This Monumental Rosary was begun in 1896 and was completed in 1910. Many architects, sculptors, and artisans took part: that is why each part has its own style. The decisive role of architects like Josep Puig i Cadafalch or Antoni Gaudi and of sculptors like Josep Llimona or the Vallmitjana brothers has unified it. It is rightly known as the most important architectural monument in the outdoors of the Catalan Modernist Movement.
The Chapel of the Holy Grotto - the place the original 'La Moreneta' was found dates from the end of the 17th C and the beginning of the 18th C. The area was greatly damaged during the Napoleonic wars (1811-1812), just like the Monastery and Shrine.
The Chapel dates from the end of the 17th C and the beginning of the 18th C.
The area was greatly damaged during the Napoleonic wars (1811-1812), just like the Monastery and Shrine. Two major Restoration Projects have been undertaken, the first in the 1850s and the second, in the mid 1990s as a result of the ravages of a Forest Fire coupled with heavy rainfall, resulted in a completely restored Holy Grotto being opened again to pilgrims on March 19, 1997
With an awareness of Gaudi from our experiences in Barcelona and Sagrada Familia, we were very touched by the Josep M Subirach's Sculpture of St.George, towards the top of Our Lady's Hill. It seemed reminiscent of some of the sculptures on the facade of the Passion of the Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia) in Barcelona, only to find out it was the work of the same sculptor.