Within the framework of the Millennium of the Abbey of Montserrat, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, a day of Mathematics activities was held at Montserrat, co-organized by the Millennium commission together with the Catalan Society of Mathematics (SCM), the APaMMs association of FEEMCAT, and the MMACA.
The day was inaugurated in the Façana room of the monastery with Fr. Efrem de Montellà representing the abbey, and representatives of the involved mathematics entities: Ms. Pura Fornals, director of the MMACA, Ms. Carme Aymerich, representing APaMMs, and Ms. Montserrat Alsina, president of the SCM.
Pilar Bayer: the science that sounds
The inaugural activity was the lecture-concert by Dr. Pilar Bayer Isant, organized by the SCM. Bayer is a key figure in Catalan mathematics, not only recognized for her research and the promotion of the Number Theory seminar, and as a professor at the University of Barcelona in algebra and number theory, but also a passionate about music, which she has combined with her scientific vocation.
Born in Barcelona, Pilar Bayer has been a pioneer in many ways: one of the first women to obtain a chair in mathematics in Catalonia, author of numerous international publications and a prominent science communicator. She is a member of the’Institute for Catalan Studies and the SCM, and was awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi 2024. Her lecture at Montserrat, which combined piano and mathematical explanations, showed how the beauty of music and the order of mathematics can harmoniously dialogue.
The attendance was large, with young people, families, teachers, members of the mathematical and scientific community, and authorities. In particular, four presidents of the SCM coincided there.
“Small mathematical discoveries”: an exhibition by the MMACA
The second important point was the inauguration of the exhibition “Small mathematical discoveries”, located in the Millennium space above the rack railway station, with interactive modules. Notable is the adaptation of the skyscraper game to the needles of Montserrat and the visual anamorphoses of Montserrat created by the MMACA especially for the occasion, which play with perspective and perception.
The space is open for visits, whether free or for groups, with young MMACA monitors, until June 30, 2025.
Mathematics in the open air: route along the Camí dels Degotalls.
The day concluded with a notable activity, the inauguration of the’mathematical itinerary of the Camí dels Degotalls, an emblematic and naturally beautiful location. Along the path, there are points presenting visual puzzles, reflections on symmetry, the golden ratio, geometric games, and numerology. All designed to connect mathematics with nature through QR codes, offering a new perspective on the environment.
The mathematical route of Montserrat was presented by Carles Masjoan and Carme Aymerich, from APaMMs, who developed the contents, donating them to Montserrat. The route stands out as a stable mathematical route that turns the mountain into a space for scientific and spiritual reflection open to everyone.
These initiatives, designed for all audiences, become a powerful tool for scientific and educational outreach, aligned with the values of the millennium: knowledge, spirituality, and community.
