Manresa is a town situated at the foot of the Montserrat massif. Its history dates back to the medieval times, and an important figure associated with it is St. Ignatius of Loyola. He spent nine months in the local cave, which is now a pilgrimage destination, during which he wrote his work "Spiritual Exercises".
The most important monument in Manresa is La Seo Cathedral, standing on a rocky hill. It is a great example of Catalan Gothic attributed to Berenguer de Montagut, creator of the Church of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona. A big attraction of Manresa is also Carrer del Balc, carved into the rock, which recreates the appearance of the city from the Middle Ages. A characteristic place in the city is the Romanesque bridge connecting the two river banks.
In the 16th century, Ignacy Loyola stayed in Menres for nine months. He hid himself in the local cave after descending Montserrat Hill. Today St. Ignatius is an important pilgrimage destination. The entrance to it is enclosed with a facade resembling a Renaissance palace.
