Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime event in 2025, a celebration that won’t be repeated for generations. This year, Catalonia honours the Montserrat Millenary, marking a thousand years since the establishment of the Benedictine monastery nestled on the revered ‘magic mountain.’ A visit to Montserrat is always essential for those eager to explore Catalonia’s heritage, culture, and history, but this anniversary makes it an even more compelling destination. From late 2024 through 2025, Montserrat invites you to join a legendary celebration blending spirituality, culture, and community in one of Catalonia’s most iconic settings. The Millenary program features a rich lineup of up to 1,000 events over 15 months, including exhibitions, concerts, religious ceremonies, community gatherings, and vibrant displays of popular culture. The Sacred Mountain: A Tapestry of History, Legend, and Heritage In 1025, Abbot Oliba of Ripoll dispatched monks to Montserrat to establish a Benedictine monastery beside the hermitage devoted to the Virgin Mary on the mountain. Over the past ten centuries, Montserrat has stood as a beacon of prayer, spirituality, evangelical life, and pilgrimage, while also bearing witness to Catalonia’s rich history. To immerse yourself in the heart of Catalan culture, a visit to Montserrat during this Millenary is a must. You’ll uncover its storied past and the legends enveloping the mountain—from the miraculous discovery of the Virgin Mary’s image predating the monastery to the trials endured by the community during turbulent times, such as the 19th-century French War and the 20th-century Civil War. Through the centuries, Montserrat’s history has intertwined with Catalonia’s, layer upon layer. Montserrat’s Millenary: Events, Music, and Unforgettable Moments Montserrat has been meticulously preparing for this Millenary celebration, with significant moments already marked, such as the feast of the Virgin Mary on 27 April. That day etched history as the Virgin’s image was carried in procession for the first time this century. There’s still time to take part in this extraordinary commemoration. Below, we highlight some of the most remarkable events and experiences awaiting you during the Montserrat Millenary. The Millenary Music Festival Montserrat’s deep connection to music is profound, with its historic contributions to Catalan and sacred music being of immense significance. To mark this Millenary, a series of twenty concerts has been planned, showcasing a rich repertoire of Montserrat’s musical heritage. These performances, featuring evocative sounds and melodies, will inspire a sense of spiritual connection. Upcoming highlights include organ recitals, a performance by the Liceu Choir and Orchestra, and an international gathering of choirs. Exhibition: ‘Montserrat, A Thousand Years of Art and History’ Running through December 2025 at the Montserrat Museum, this exhibition weaves together the monastery’s art and history. A visit offers a journey through ten centuries of Montserrat’s legacy, illuminating its pivotal role in Catalonia. In addition, you’ll encounter treasures of great heritage value that will be exclusive to the Millenary. One of these is the Virgin Mary’s historic dresses, unseen since the Civil War, and the Red Book of Montserrat, a 1399 codex that sheds light on medieval European music. These rare artifacts, among others, underscore the monastery’s enduring cultural significance. Musical Finale Debut for the Millenary The choice of December 8 to conclude the Millenary is deeply meaningful. It aligns with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day rich in religious significance. This year, it will mark the close of a historic commemoration with the debut of the Te Deum of the Millenary, composed by Josep Ollé. Performed by the Escolania, Schola Cantorum, and Orfeó Català, this concert promises to be a memorable milestone. Be sure to save the date for this extraordinary event. How to Experience the Millenary Unique Ways to Embrace a Historic Celebration For those who love the outdoors and adventure, the Montserrat Millenary offers exciting ways to join the commemoration. Two new trails have been introduced to explore the stunning Montserrat mountain range and its iconic landmarks, on the occasion of this celebration. The first is a 28-kilometre route with a 1,500-metre elevation gain, clearly marked and passing through highlights like the monastery, Cavall Bernat, Sant Benet hermitage, Agulles refuge, and Salnitre Caves. The second, the Millenary Route, spans 40 kilometres, linking the monastery with Montserrat’s four entry points: Bruc, Marganell, Monistrol de Montserrat and Collbato. At the same time, you'll have the chance to connect with Montserrat’s spirituality in a deep and immersive way. To mark the Millennium of Montserrat, two innovative experiences have been launched that you simply can’t miss: the new Immersive Space, opened last November, invites you to experience Montserrat from within through images, sound, and emotion; and the Lux Splendens video mapping show, a stunning display of music and lights that turns your visit into a truly unique experience. Round off your visit with entry to the basilica and the Montserrat Museum, which houses collections of ancient and modern painting, archaeology, and Byzantine icons. Music, art, nature, spirituality… Experience the Montserrat Millenary of 2025. Be part of this historic celebration and visit the ‘magic mountain,’ a cornerstone of Catalan culture, history, and pilgrimage. Easily accessible from Barcelona by road or train, there’s no reason to miss this extraordinary opportunity.