Montserrat only 40 kilometres (30 miles) inland from Barcelona, is a very powerful symbol for the Catalan people, and you would An essential part of the Catalonian identify, it is the spiritual centre and guardian of the souls of the Catalonian. Of special interest is the Benedictine Monastery with its 15th century basilica housing the 12th century Romanesque image of La Moreneta, patroness of Catalonia. Montserrat can be reached by car on the Barcelona-Manresa highway and by train from Monistrol. From here the mountain can be ascended by car, by bus (special permanent service) or by cable car from the railroad station.