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Montserrat: Beauty Between the Mountains

Semester at Sea students traveled to Montserrat Monastery, one of Spain’s most beautiful and spiritual monuments nestled between the mountains an hour outside Barcelona. They were very excited to learn about the history of this mountain oasis where monks still practice today. One student said “this is the coolest place I have even been.”

The first glimpse the students get of Montserrat is a grand one. This monastery receives 12,000 visitors on an average weekend.
The entrance of the main cathedral of Montserrat is one of great beauty and intricate detail.
Immaculate stone sculptures of religious figures adorn the exterior walls of the monasteries church.
The first look at the interior of this Benedictine Abby is breathtaking. Housed here is the statue of the Black Madonna and a shrine to Our Lady. If you’re lucky you can hear the world famous boys choir singing.
It seems that everywhere students look there is another object of beauty. This alcove depicts the Virgin Mary.
Briana Geraci from El Camino College, Becca Scane from Cal State University Fullerton, and Kyle Konerman from Azuse Pacific University take time out to reflect on this spiritual place after touring Montserrat in Spain during the first stop on the Semester at Sea Summer 2012 voyage.
This inner circle is reserved for one person at a time. Staff Member, Susan White, stands in the middle of the courtyard and takes in the spirituality of this place. After a few quiet moments, she allows the next student to take her place.
The everyday view from the Monk’s quarters is spectacular.
This building seems one with the rocks. The impeccable architecture and construction has lasted the test of time.
After a day at Montserrat the students gather to take a photo before departing.
Topics
  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Life at Sea

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