Santa Cova | Cultural Heritage. Goverment of Catalonia.
Santa Cova Baroque, neoclassicism and modernism in a unique ensemble

A Baroque church, a neo-classical convent-residence... and a cavern. These three elements make up the Cave of Sant Ignasi de Manresa, an architectural complex converted into a Centre of Spirituality, which is one of the iconic images of the capital of the Bages region.

Located on Puig de Sant Bartomeu, in one of the caverns formed by erosion from the waters of the Cardener river, this complex was built around the site where tradition says that St. Ignatius of Loyola lived for 11 months, meditating and writing part of his Spiritual Exercises, between 1522 and 1523.

In the cavern is the Relleu del Rapte de Sant Ignasi, (the Rapture of San Ignatius), a mid-17th century alabaster altarpiece, carved by the Manresan sculptor, Joan Grau, his Francesc and Josep Sunyer.

The Church, built in the 18th century with design of Josep Moretó of Vic, combines a discreet interior, in which the altar of the Blessed stands out, with a Baroque façade, both rich in elements and proportionate to its size.

Completing the complex is the convent-residence of the Jesuits, of neoclassical inspiration, and the lobby or hallway that connects the Church and the cavern, modernista in style and decorated with marble, mosaics, stucco, stained glass and metals.

Plan your visit

What can I do?

- Guided tours offer the opportunity to learn about the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of the Cave.
- Schools, colleges, parishes and groups have spaces available for spiritual activities for teens and young adults.

Timetables
Contact

Abadia de Montserrat
Plaça Monestir s/n
08199 Monistrol de Montserrat (Barcelona)
Tel. (+34) 938777710

Veure localització
Where to eat and stay?

More information

Heritage stories

The Cave of Saint Ignatius de Loyola

Discover the pilgrim’s founding experience