The Hermitages of Montserrat

The Hermitages of Montserrat are a collection of small, isolated monastic cells located in the Montserrat Mountain surrounding the Montserrat Monastery in Catalonia, Spain. These hermitages have been used by monks for contemplative and eremitic (hermit) life for centuries.

The hermitages are scattered throughout the Montserrat Mountains and are only accessible by foot. You might discover some of the hermitages while hiking in Montserrat. They vary in size and shape, and some are quite small, with only enough room for a bed and a small altar. The hermitages were generally self-sufficient, with a small garden and a source of water nearby. The hermitages of Montserrat are simple and austere, with only the bare necessities for survival.

The hermitages of Montserrat Barcelona have a long history, dating back to the 11th century, and were built by hermits seeking a solitary, ascetic life close to nature. The hermitages have been used by many notable figures throughout the centuries, including Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, who spent time in one of the hermitages in the 16th century.

The hermitages of Montserrat have been used for religious retreats and meditation for centuries, and are considered an important part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. These hermitages were inhabited by hermits who dedicated themselves to a life of contemplation and prayer, seeking to experience a deeper spiritual connection with God through the isolation and silence of the mountain. Many of these hermitages were also used as retreats by monks from the Benedictine abbey.

Today, only two of the hermitages are still used by monks who wish to live a contemplative and solitary life, away from the main monastery while other hermitages are not inhabited anymore and are open to visitors. They are popular among hikers and pilgrims who come to the Montserrat Mountains to experience the natural beauty of the area and to learn about the rich spiritual history of the hermitages. While hiking in Montserrat you might discover some of the hidden hermitages while hiking the trails of Montserrat but is always better to hire a Montserrat Hiking guide or join a Montserrat Hiking Tour to discover the hidden hermitages of Montserrat. 

If you want to learn more about the Hermitages of Montserrat join our Montserrat Hiking Tour & Monastery where we will be hiking through some of the Montserrat Hermitages  like Saint Joan, Sant Onofré and Santa Anna and  you will discover some of its secrets!