MONTSERRAT

Catalonia's holy mountain is 56km (35 miles) northwest of Barcelona with a summit of 1 ,200m (3,937ft) Montserrat is named after its strangely serrated rock formations (mont, mountain; serrat, sawed) and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the whole of Spain Thousands travel here every year to venerate a medieval statue of the Madonna and Child called La Moreneta (The Black Virgin), blackened by the smoke of millions of candles over the centuries. The statue is said to have been made by St Luke and brought to the area by St Peter, and is displayed above the altar of the monastery church.

The spectacularly located monastery, founded in 1025, is also famous for its choir, La Escolania, one of the oldest and best-known boys' choirs in Europe, dating from the 13th century. The choir sings daily in the Basilica, a striking edifice containing important paintings including works by EI Greco and Caravaggio. Montserrat is clearly sign posted by road from Barcelona.