“A sanctuary on a bare mountain” that’s what they used to call this place. Now, it’s the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel. This religious building stands on what was once known as Turó d’en Mora. It was also called Montaña Pelada due to its lack of vegetation. Today, it’s known as Turó del Carmel.
The Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel has a fascinating past. Construction began in 1860. It concluded in 1864. Miquel Viladoms, an ermitaño or hermit, spearheaded the project. He dedicated it to the Virgin of Carmen. The Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel opened its doors on April 11, 1864. This was thanks to permission from the Bishop of Barcelona, Pantaleón Montserrat.
Tragedy struck when Viladoms was murdered inside the chapel. For some years, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel remained abandoned. In 1890, Mossèn Jaume Moré took over. He provided spiritual care to the area’s few residents. He depended on the parish of Sant Joan d’Horta.
At the start of the 20th century, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel became a popular gathering spot. People came for meetings, picnics, and musical concerts. L’Estrella del Carme choir often performed. Religious celebrations drew crowds from Gràcia and Sant Martí de Provençals.
In 1913, Mossèn Moré moved to Can Grau. He celebrated mass in the estate’s private chapel. The Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel was left without spiritual service. Later, Santa Teresa de Jesús church became a parish. In 1930, Mossèn Moré returned to the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel.
The Spanish Civil War brought more hardship. In 1936, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel was burned. Father Moré was killed. After its reconstruction, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel grew in importance. This was due to increased numbers of faithful.
In 1962, it officially became a parish. Besides religious duties, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel became deeply involved in the community. It worked hard in healthcare, education, and culture. It also advocated for better services and infrastructure in the neighborhood.
The original chapel was small. It only accommodated thirty people. From 1985 to 1988, a new church was built. Francesc de Paula Daumal i Domènech and Miquel Campos i Pascual designed it. It featured a contemporary style. The new Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel opened on July 16, 1988. The Archbishop of Barcelona, Narcís Jubany, presided over the inauguration.
Today, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont Carmel stands as a testament to faith. It also highlights community spirit. It has transformed from a simple hermitage. Now, it is a vibrant center for worship and service.