La Moreneta (the Black Madonna)
La Moreneta (the Black Madonna) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Montserrat audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Montserrat Montserrat guide
About La Moreneta (the Black Madonna)
The beloved little dark statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, a Romanesque carving darkened with time, holding an orb that pilgrims reach through the glass to touch. She is the patron saint of Catalonia.
La Moreneta, 'the little dark one', is the Virgin of Montserrat, a Romanesque wooden carving of the late 12th century about 95 centimetres tall, of the 'Throne of Wisdom' type. She holds a spherical orb, a symbol of the cosmos; the Christ Child on her lap holds a pinecone and raises his hand in blessing. Her face and hands have darkened with the centuries. In 1881 Pope Leo XIII proclaimed her patron saint of Catalonia.
Enshrined above the high altar, she is reached up a decorated staircase; through a round opening in the protective glass, pilgrims rest a hand on her orb. Her feast is 27 April, preceded by a night vigil, and the choir sings her hymn, the Virolai, each day.
Did you know? La Moreneta, the Virgin of Montserrat, is a Romanesque wooden carving of the late 12th century, about 95 centimetres tall, of the 'Throne of Wisdom' type; she holds an orb, and the Christ Child holds a pinecone and blesses.
How long should you spend at La Moreneta (the Black Madonna)?
Plan about ~30 min at La Moreneta (the Black Madonna). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is La Moreneta (the Black Madonna) worth visiting?
La Moreneta (the Black Madonna) is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Montserrat, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Montserrat
Day 1 of the Montserrat in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of La Moreneta (the Black Madonna)
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