University of Girona
University of Girona and Montserrat Abbey University, Spain
The University of Girona, through its Faculty of Tourism and the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policies and Cooperation, is responsible for co-organizing the IRTP conference. The institution has a recognized academic and research trajectory in the field of religious tourism, combining teaching with research projects, in cooperation with international organizations and local stakeholders. While the congress is coordinated by the University of Girona, it will be hosted at the Monastery of Montserrat, an emblematic and inspiring setting that embodies the theme of the meeting.
About University of Girona and Montserrat Abbey
Montserrat is mountain, monastery, and sanctuary —a unique landmark where nature, culture, and spirituality meet. Located in the heart of Catalonia, is one of the most emblematic and spiritual landmarks of the region. Rising majestically with its distinctive serrated peaks, the mountain has inspired pilgrims, artists, and visitors for centuries. At its heart lies the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, founded in the 11th century and home to the revered Black Madonna, a symbol of Catalan identity and devotion. In 2025, Montserrat celebrated the millennium of its foundation, marking a thousand years of uninterrupted history that blends faith, tradition, and community life.
The monastery complex combines religious tradition, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Its basilica, museum, and library house invaluable artistic and historical treasures, while its Escolania boys’ choir, one of the oldest in Europe, continues to enchant audiences with its daily performances. Beyond its spiritual significance, Montserrat offers breathtaking views and hiking trails that connect the sacred site to its natural surroundings, making it a unique place where culture, faith, and landscape meet.
Easily accessible from Barcelona, Montserrat has become both a major pilgrimage site and a cultural destination, welcoming thousands of visitors each year who seek inspiration, reflection, or simply the experience of its extraordinary setting. Today, Montserrat stands as an emblematic place of encounter, reflection, and inspiration, welcoming pilgrims, researchers, and visitors from around the world.