Restoration of the Renaissance layout of the Montserrat abbey

Monistrol de Montserrat, Barcelona, Cataluña.
Special mention / Diploma in the category Conservation / Conservation and adaptive reuse in the year 1997.

Dating of the building: 1560-1592.

Applicant: Arcadi Pla i Masmiquel.

Reason for the award :

For the complexity of the restorations in the Abbey of Montserrat.

  • España, Cataluña, Abadia de Montserrat
  • España, Cataluña, Abadia de Montserrat
  • © Abadía de Montserrat
  • © Abadía de Montserrat
  • © Abadía de Montserrat

The Renaissance design of Montserrat has a modern roof system, characterized by its discretion, simplicity, and aesthetic integration with the rest of the Abbey.

The Benedictine Abbey of Montserrat is the first sanctuary in Catalonia. Founded in 1025 on the jagged mountain that gives it its name, Montserrat preserves the Black Virgin of La Moreneta, a pilgrimage destination and a clear symbol of traditional Catalonia. Like so many other places, the monumental abbey was sacked and destroyed in 1812 by French troops in Catalonia during what is known as the French War. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the immense complex was fully restored. However, the award was given for the works done on the Renaissance section which suffered from structural problems.

The works consisted of manufacturing a new roof, as it was considered impossible to save the original roof built 1592. Characterized for its discretion and structural simplicity it combines the use of the original stone with modern materials and allows the entrance of natural light.

Others awards in Cataluña: