The monastery was founded in the 11th century. In 1811 and in 1812, the abbey was twice burned down and sacked by Napoleon's troops, and many of its treasures were lost. In 1835, the abbey was closed until restoration in 1844. It was rebuilt between the 19th and 20th centuries, and still functions to this day, with over 70 monksThe Virgin of Montserrat is Catalonia's favourite saint, and is located in the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de Montserrat