Witches of Montserrat

Witches of Montserrat, Charmed Witches.

The Witches of Montserrat legend tells us of witches that lived in the mountain of Montserrat, who were called charmed, and how they disliked pilgrims hiking to pray to Mary in the Monastery.

Pilgrims, of the Middle-Ages, climbed to the Monastery of Montserrat, which was located on the east side of the mountain at 720m / (2,362ft) above sea level. They left Collbató, a southern village at 390m (1,279ft) and traveled along the south path which rises 330m (1,082ft) along steep slopes. During that time, the north side was not considered approachable and only hunters and woodcutters dared to walk there.

Witches of Montserrat, along the southern path, became beautiful fairies that could charm anyone. Unfortunately pilgrims lost themselves when they fell into these fairies’ hands.

These evil women planted fruit trees on each side of the path and waited for the tired and thirsty pilgrims to pass. They told them, “Good man, you are tired and thirsty; if you eat these apples, pears, and cherries you will feel fine.”

Dazzled pilgrims replied, “Beautiful lady, I don’t even know who are you. But I appreciate your offer.” The fairies argued saying, “You don’t need to know who I am. The path still goes uphill to the Monastery. Take these fruits; they will give you energy enough to get there.

The charmed witches acted like Eve tempting Adam, as it is described in the Bible, offering the sweet apple to the confident pilgrims.

While the pilgrims were enjoying the fruit, the fairies transformed into toothless witches and sang praises to the devil. Their creepy laugh echoed all over the mountain.

Suddenly, When their words where invoking the devil, the unfortunate pilgrims lost their sight; they could no longer see the blue sky. Their limbs harden and they became one with the great conglomerate rock of the cliff. When you hike near the hermit-house of Sant Miquel, your BarcelonaWalking guide will show you rocks where these unfortunate pilgrims are petrified.