Montserrat Monastery and Nature Park
Spectacular view of the Catalan countryside
From afar, the 1,236-meter-high mountain offers a magnificent view. From the top, you can experience panoramic views extending far into the hinterland of Catalonia.
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The mountain of Montserrat, with the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, is located approximately 45 km northwest of Barcelona. Montserrat offers plenty to see and discover, making it ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion.
The natural park boasts an incredibly beautiful landscape: the fresh air, the breathtaking views of the Catalan hinterland, and the many scenic hiking trails leading to abandoned hermitages. Nature enthusiasts will fall in love with Montserrat.
And, of course, there's the monastery: You can immerse yourself in culture by visiting the museum, the basilica, and the famous Black Madonna, a destination for pilgrims from around the world. Culinary delights await in several charming restaurants with views, allowing you to experience Catalonia through its cuisine..
Traveling to Montserrat Monastery
The journey to Montserrat by public transport is spectacular and very easy.
From Plaça Espanya station, the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat) R5 line (Barcelona Manresa) departs every 20 to 40 minutes. The journey to Montserrat takes about an hour. A highlight of the journey is the ascent to Montserrat Monastery via cable car (Aeri de Montserrat station) or rack railway (Monistrol de Montserrat station). The R50 line follows the same route but is less frequent and does not stop at the Montserrat cable car. You can find the R5 line schedule here.
At the "Aeri de Montserrat" station, you can transfer to the cable car, or continue one more station to "Monistrol de Montserrat" station. From there, a rack railway departs every 20 minutes, taking you directly to the monastery atop Montserrat. The 15-minute journey is worth it.
Self-guided visit to Montserrat: Tickets for transportation
Here you'll find an overview of the various tickets for transportation and attractions on site. Our special recommendation is the 'Tot Montserrat' ticket, an all-inclusive package for your Montserrat excursion.
- Tickets for Montserrat Mountain Card: Train from Barcelona + Rack Railway + Moreneta Acces
- The "Trans Montserrat" ticket includes all transportation modes to visit the monastery and the Montserrat mountain range from Barcelona
- Ideal for self-guided stay at Montserrat
- Subway ticket in Barcelona
- Train ticket to Monistrol de Montserrat station
- Rack railway ticket to the monastery
- Funicular ticket to Sant-Joan for the mountain range
- Funicular ticket to Santa Cova (not operational year-round)
- Access to the Montserrat sanctuary and the Black Madonna
- We recommend this package because with the "Tot Montserrat" ticket, you get an "All-Inclusive" trip to Montserrat. From your hotel to Montserrat, you have all the tickets you need to explore the area and ride the funiculars for the best views. Visit museums and enjoy delicious food.
- Metro ticket for Barcelona
- Round-trip train ticket R5 from Barcelona Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat
- Ticket for the rack railway to the monastery (the Aeri is no longer selectable in place of the rack railway)
- Ticket for the Sant Joan funicular
- Ticket for the Santa Cova funicular (not operational year-round)
- Entrance to the audiovisual gallery
- Entrance to the Museu de Montserrat
- Access to the Montserrat Sanctuary and the Black Madonna
- Lunch at the Montserrat buffet restaurant
- You can determine the time for the round trip yourself
- The "Montserrat Experience" is a ticket for the attractions on Montserrat. Ideal if you travel by car, motorcycle, or train.
- Entrance to the outdoor museum
- Entrance to the Montserrat Museum
- Entrance to the audiovisual room
- Access to the Montserrat Sanctuary and the Black Madonna
- Audio guide and brochure
- If you are traveling on your own, we also recommend tickets for the Aeri de Montserrat. There are parking lots and a train stop there. If you want to drive directly to the monastery by car, you can park near the monastery (fee required).
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Catalan landscape from the "Sky of Catalonia"
- Round-trip ticket for the cable car
- Free Wi-Fi
Tickets for one way:
- Discover the abbey that houses the famous Black Madonna
- Transport by bus from Barcelona
- Ticket for the rack railway to Montserrat
- Guided tour in Montserrat (English, Spanish, and Catalan)
- Access to the Basilica
- Entrance to visit the Moreneta (Black Madonna)
- Choir performance by the Escolania de Montserrat
- Duration: 6 hours
Arrival by car
Those arriving by car or motorcycle enjoy one of Spain's most scenic winding roads.
Getting there is quite straightforward: take the A2 highway, exit at Martorell, then take the National Road N II until the Montserrat junction. It's about 70 km from the center of Barcelona.
There is a paid parking lot in front of the monastery.
Trips to Montserrat Monastery and Natural Park
Have a good time: book a private or open excursion and experience a beautiful day in a wonderful setting in comfort.
Due to the variety of offered and beautiful tours, it wasn't easy for us to decide which ones we want to recommend especially. Therefore, here are two excursions that we highlight as our top tips.
- What we particularly like about this tour is that you won't be dropped off at the monastery parking lot, but rather take the cogwheel train from the valley up. We also appreciate that you're given free time to explore Montserrat on your own. Perhaps take the funicular railway to the very top and hike down to the monastery. Also nice are the options for tasting and having lunch.
- Take a cogwheel train, visit a historic monastery in the Montserrat mountains, and admire incredible views. Choose from a half-day tour or upgrade to a full-day tour.
- Admire the picturesque views from the cogwheel train to the mountain monastery
- Learn about the rich history of the Montserrat monastery on a small-group walking tour
- Discover the hidden treasures and beautiful landscapes of the site during your free time
- Ticket for the cogwheel train
- Round-trip transfer from Barcelona in a comfortable coach
- 1.5 hours of free time in Montserrat
- Tasting of 3 local wines (with full-day option)
- Tapas lunch (with 7-hour option)
- Multi-course lunch (with 9-hour option)
- Small group with max. 18 participants
- Duration approx. 5-9 hours
- Languages: English
- Marvel at Catalonia's most famous mountain, Montserrat. Take the train up to the mountains, enjoy stunning natural landscapes, visit the local monastery, and learn more about the rich history of this place.
- Visit the Montserrat Monastery, one of the most famous attractions in Catalonia
- Explore the surroundings and enjoy a meal at one of the abbey's restaurants
- Listen to the boy's choir of "La Escolania de Montserrat"
- Montserrat orientation tour
- Guided visit to Montserrat
- Free time in Montserrat
- Rack railway ticket to the Montserrat monastery
- Access to the Basilica and to the Moreneta (if option chosen)
- Audiovisual room "Montserrat Doors Inside" (if option chosen)
- Ride on the funicular railway to the summit of Montserrat
- Duration approximately 7 hours
- Languages: English, Spanish, Catalan
- See the historic Montserrat Monastery, the Black Madonna, and a centuries-old chapel on this excursion from Barcelona. Take the funicular railway to the top and enjoy an easy hike with panoramic views of the area.
- Transfers
- Qualified and government-certified guide
- Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
- Private transfer in an air-conditioned van
- Visit the world-famous Montserrat Monastery
- Tickets for the Sant Joan funicular railway
- Small-group tour
- 1-hour hike in the natural park
- Duration approximately 6 hours
- Languages: English, Spanish, Catalan
- Discover the heart of Catalonia on a small-group tour to Montserrat and a visit to a famous winery. Enjoy stunning views from the top of Montserrat and listen to Europe's oldest children's choir.
- Visit the Montserrat Monastery, one of the most famous landmarks in Catalonia.
- Listen to Europe's oldest children's choir, "La Escolania de Montserrat".
- Take the cable car for stunning views.
- Explore the Penedès wine region and enjoy a wine tasting.
- Visit one of the world's largest wineries.
- Lunch at a countryside restaurant included.
- Free time to explore the area on your own.
- Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury minibus.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Duration approximately 10.5 hours.
- Languages: English.
- This excursion is our special recommendation because it provides a good overview of Montserrat, the monastery, the natural landscape, and a short hike. The information provided does not go into too much detail, but you will still be able to share many great impressions after the tour.
- Experience the beauty of Montserrat on a half-day tour from Barcelona. Take the St. Joan train and discover the fascinating flora and fauna of the region before hiking through the Montserrat Natural Park.
- Guided visit to the magical mountain and monastery of Montserrat.
- Expert multilingual tour guide.
- Private transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Tickets for the Sant Joan funicular railway.
- Seasonal fresh fruit.
- 1-hour hike in the natural park.
- Small group tour with a maximum of 18 participants.
- Duration approximately 5.5 hours.
- Languages: English, Spanish, Catalan.
- Explore the historical and natural terrain of Montserrat on a small-group hike. See the shrine of the Black Madonna and the impressive Benedictine monastery.
- Hike on beautiful trails away from the tourist crowds in Montserrat.
- Look out for Alpine chamois in their natural habitat.
- Transportation in a private vehicle.
- Entrance to Montserrat.
- Hike through the natural park (4 hours).
- Picnic lunch, 1 liter of water.
- Small group tour with a maximum of 8 people.
- Duration approximately 9.5 hours.
- Languages: English, Spanish.
- Explore the Benedictine abbey of Montserrat monastery and discover why it has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Return to Barcelona and explore the exterior and interior of Antoni Gaudí's spectacular Sagrada Família.
- Transportation to Montserrat monastery in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Tickets for the cogwheel train.
- Ticket for the Montserrat museum.
- Ticket for the Sagrada Família.
- Liqueur tasting at Montserrat.
- Duration approximately 7 hours.
- Languages: English, Spanish.
- Private group
- Take a luxurious day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona. Admire the basilica and enjoy wonderful views.
- Private vehicle with driver for 5 hours
- Entrance tickets to the Montserrat abbey
- Explore Montserrat with an official tour guide
- Official tour guide for 5 hours
- Entrance tickets to the Montserrat abbey
- Enjoy an unforgettable tour with a knowledgeable guide and learn more about the region and its attractions
- Bilingual guide (English, Spanish)
- Duration: 5 hours
- Private group available
- Enjoy a comprehensive experience with a guided tour of the Montserrat monastery and a 2-course meal with breathtaking views of the region
- Take an 8-hour guided tour of Montserrat
- Bilingual guide
- Transfer to/from Barcelona in a luxurious minibus
- Visit to the Montserrat monastery
- 2-course lunch at the Masia farmhouse (including drinks)
- Cable car (on days of high demand, the cogwheel train will be used instead of the cable car)
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Duration: 8 hours
- Private group available
- Experience Montserrat and the monastery, ride the cable car up to the monastery, and enjoy the incredible views of the valley with a picnic. Visit the local farmers' market.
- Cable car tickets (or cogwheel train)
- Entrance tickets to the Basilica Monserrat and La Moreneta
- Round-trip train journey from Barcelona
- Visit to the Montserrat monastery
- Sandwich (vegetarian option available) and water
- Cheese tasting, ice cream for children
- Languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
- Duration: 6 hours
- Small group tour
- Discover Montserrat on an early morning group tour. Enjoy free time to explore the secrets of Montserrat after the guided tour.
- Round-trip transfer from the center of Barcelona in air-conditioned vehicle
- Cable car tickets (or cogwheel train)
- Early access to the Montserrat monastery
- Tickets for the visit to the "Black Madonna" (optional)
- Languages: English
- Duration: 5 hours
- Wheelchair accessible
- Guided horseback riding with an experienced guide and visit to the Montserrat Monastery
- Enjoy a memorable day out in Montserrat on this horse riding experience in the national park, after visiting the Monastery on the mountain just a few minutes away from Barcelona. A unique experience you won't want to miss.
- Relax during the journey from/to Barcelona in luxury minibus (departure from Passeig de Gràcia)
- Visit to the monastery of Montserrat
- Enjoy an unforgettable tour with a knowledgeable guide and learn more about the region and the sights
- Bilingual guide
- Enjoy the beautiful nature and marvel at the impressive landscape
- Start time at 08:30 or 15:00, duration approx. 5.5 hours
Hiking in Montserrat Natural Park
From the monastery itself, there's about a 300-meter ascent to the peaks of Montserrat. A cogwheel train runs almost to the summit. From there, you can hike along several well-maintained and signposted trails through Montserrat Natural Park. Several trails of varying lengths lead from the mountain station of the funicular to the abandoned hermitages. You'll be rewarded for your efforts with breathtaking views of Catalonia.
While the trails are well maintained, sturdy footwear is essential. Most trails require moderate fitness levels, but you can also find easy and challenging trails in Montserrat.
Please stay on the designated paths to protect the delicate and sparse vegetation!
Our tip: Take the funicular to the top and hike down the approximately 6 km trail to the monastery.
The Montserrat Monastery
The mountain massif is situated amidst a very beautiful natural park. Even the journey by train and cogwheel train or cable car, or by car or motorcycle along well-maintained and winding serpentine roads, is a foretaste of what awaits you at the summit of Montserrat.
Bird's-eye view of Montserrat
Upon arriving at the Montserrat Monastery, an indescribable view unfolds all the way to the Collserola Mountains overlooking Barcelona and to the Pyrenees.
The monastery of Montserrat itself is not particularly architecturally remarkable; it's the setting into which the buildings were integrated that captivates.
Museum of the Monastery
In the museum of the Montserrat Monastery, you can see works by significant artists such as Dalí, El Greco, Monet, or Giordano. Additionally, there are archaeological and liturgical exhibits.
The Black Madonna
Many visitors come solely to see the statue of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. The figure, also known as La Moreneta, dates back to the 12th century and presides over the high altar in the monastery's basilica. It is revered in Catalonia, and pilgrims and visitors from all over the world come to the pilgrimage site.
The statue, carved from wood, owes its dark appearance to the choice of wood and the aging process. The statue is often adorned with a golden crown and mantle.
The boys' choir Escolania de Montserrat
In honor of La Moreneta, around 50 choirboys from the "Escolania de Montserrat," the boarding school choir of the monastery, perform church hymns - Salve Regina and Virolai - daily (Mondays to Saturdays at 13:00 by the boys' choir of the monastery school, Sundays and holidays at 12:00).
The Escolania is the oldest music school in Europe. The choir was first mentioned in records in 1307. Approximately 40-50 students aged 9 to 14 attend the school. They can stay overnight and spend their free time there, although it is not a boarding school.
More about the Escoliana de Montserrat
The parents of the choirboys pay 20% of the tuition fees, with a significant portion covered by the Catalan Ministry of Culture. The remaining amount is covered by a foundation. If parents are unable to pay their share of the tuition fees, the "Fundació Abadia de Montserrat 2025" also covers this.
In addition to singing, students learn to play the piano and another instrument of their choice.
Boys' choir Escolania de Montserrat
History of Montserrat
The mountain of Montserrat has had religious significance since pre-Christian times. A temple dedicated to the worship of Venus was built here by the Romans before Christ. The first documented mention of Montserrat in 888 reported the construction of an initial monastery around 880 AD. It was hermit monks who had built various hermitages on Montserrat. The monastery was then founded in 1025 through the expansion of the hermitage of Santa Maria.
The Black Madonna, found in the 12th century and still the destination of pilgrimages today, is attributed with miraculous deeds. These attributed miracles led to the strong growth of the monastery.
In the 16th century, during the transition between Gothic and Renaissance periods, the basilica of the monastery was built. The Black Madonna is preserved in the basilica.
Numerous famous personalities made pilgrimages to Montserrat: Pope Benedict XIII, Columbus, Cervantes, von Humboldt, King Ferdinand and Isabella, Charles I, Philip II, and Louis XIV.
On his second voyage in 1493, Columbus named an island in the Caribbean Montserrat.
In 1811, the monastery was largely destroyed by Napoleonic troops. The Benedictine monastery was rebuilt.
During the Franco dictatorship, the monastery resisted. Catalan continued to be spoken there despite the ban, and masses were held in Catalan. Hundreds of Franco regime's persecuted were hidden here. 23 monks were executed as a result.
This resistance makes the monastery today an important symbol of Catalan identity and the struggle against oppression. The Catalans are still grateful for this.
Why visiting Montserrat
For us, it's quite clear: Montserrat is a must-see! The journey to the monastery is breathtaking, no matter which mode of transportation you choose.
- The natural beauty of the mountain landscape is a beautiful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. The "serrated mountain" is spectacular, and the views are breathtaking.
- If you enjoy hiking, the countless trails through the mountains offer many opportunities to admire the beauty of the region. There are trails for all difficulty levels, from easy strolls to climbing tours.
- In addition to the monastery, there are other cultural attractions. For example, the Museu de Montserrat with an impressive art collection.
- Montserrat is an important pilgrimage destination with a Benedictine monastery that houses the Black Madonna, a significant religious symbol.
- Even if you're not religious, you'll surely be amazed by a concert of the Boys' Choir of the Music School.
Plan enough time for the excursion. The fresh air on the mountain, the great views, the cultural offerings, and the peace and spirituality that you can experience even as a non-believer create an exciting contrast to the city.
lity that you experience even as a non-believer create an exciting contrast to the city.
Book here transfers to Montserrat
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Book here your guided Montserrat excursion
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Important information
Surroundings
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Address
Phone: +34 938 777 765
www.abadiamontserrat.net
Opening times
Basilica
7:30 to 20:00
Museum of Montserrat
Daily: 10:00 to 17:45
Audiovisual room
Monday to Friday: 9:00 to 18:45
Weekends: 09:00 to 17:00
Cafeteria
Daily: 8:45 to 18:45
La Botiga (shop)
Mon. to Fri.: 09:00 to 18:45
Weekend: 09:00 to 17:45
Buffet
daily: 12:15 to 16:00
Queviures (Supermarket):
Mon. to Fri.: 09:00 to 18:45
Weekend: 09:00 to 17:45
Admission
Admission museum
Regular: €8.00, reduced €6.50.
Tips for visiting Montserrat
If you are visiting Montserrat on your own, it's advisable to arrive early. On weekends and holidays, it tends to be busier, but it doesn't get overly crowded. There can be queues in front of the Black Madonna.
Since there's a lot to see and do on the mountain and in the monastery, it's difficult to provide an exact time recommendation. We've had good experiences when allocating about six hours and leaving some flexibility towards the end. If you plan to do some hiking, consider adding an additional 2-4 hours.
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