Experience Barcelona to Montserrat Monastery the Easy Way
Skip the stress of planning. We cover every detail - curated itinerary, comfortable transfers and expert guides. It's the best way to see the sights without the hassle.
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Access to multilingual audio guide-
Explore a Catalonian hinterland, soak up picturesque views from the Montserrat Monastery, and learn all about it from an audio guide.
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Don’t worry about queues at the Black Madonna, as your timed tickets have got you covered. Roam the rest of the Gothic basilica leisurely!
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Time travel to the bombing of the monastery at the audio-visual exhibit and see masterpieces by artists like Dali, Monet, and El Greco at the museum.
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Upgrade your tickets to see Europe's oldest boys' choir or opt for a scenic ride with train transfers plus a rack-railway ride!
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Did you know? Montserrat is Catalan for 'saw'. The monastery's name is a nod to the mountain's serrated-looking peaks.
Comfortable roundtrip transfers in a TrainAccess to multilingual audio guide-
Simplify your Montserrat trip with roundtrip train transfers, multilingual audio guides, entry tickets, maps, and a handy booklet.
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Get up close to the Virgin with timed entry to the Black Madonna and discover the meaning of hidden symbols through pre-recorded commentary.
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Ride the iconic cogwheel, catch the audio-visual exhibit of the Monastery's history, and explore artworks by renowned artists—all in one trip!
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Upgrade to hear the angelic voices of the Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir and witness an age-old ceremony!
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Fun fact: The Escolanía de Montserrat is one of the oldest music schools in Europe.
Comfortable roundtrip transfers in a A/C Minibus
Taste monk-made local liquors
Expert local tour guide-
Get to Montserrat with round-trip transfers from Barcelona and immerse yourself in spirituality.
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With timed entry, follow your guide to the Black Madonna and discover the hidden meaning behind the orb in the Virgin’s hand.
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Sample monk-made liquors and deep dive into Monastery history with an immersive audio-visual exhibit along with a showcase of rare religious relics.
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Personalize your tour: enjoy a quiet morning visit or watch the sunset after an afternoon tour. English and Spanish-speaking guides are available.
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Fun fact: According to local folklore, shepherds discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in a cave, leading to the establishment of the monastery.
Comfortable roundtrip transfers in a A/C BusCheese & wine tasting with authentic catalan lunchExpert local tour guide- Board an AC coach in Barcelona and set off on a guided Montserrat tour, punctuated with gastronomic delights and countryside beauty!
- Travel around the complex soaking in the beauty of the mystical mountains.
- Follow your guide to unravel the secrets of the Monastery, from monk-made liquors to age-old vineyards.
- Sample some delicious local wines and savor a meal tailored to your taste—opt for a tempting tapas spread or a 3-course seasonal feast.
- Fun fact: Montserrat Monastery houses an extensive library with over 300,000 volumes.
Upgrade to taste the Catalan pastry, “coca de Montserrat"Expert local tour guide- Explore Montserrat’s breathtaking landscapes with a premium small-group hiking tour, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
- Visit the centuries-old Benedictine monastery, admire its stunning architecture, and see the revered Black Madonna statue (if upgrade selected)
- Board the Sant Joan Railway for stunning panoramic views of Montserrat’s rugged landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
- Enjoy a thrilling ride up Montserrat, taking in panoramic views of the Catalan countryside before starting your guided hike.
- See the Massif of Montserrat, a stunning multi-peaked rock formation that provides one of the most scenic backdrops in Catalonia.
- Browse the local farmers’ market, visit souvenir shops, or relax at the café before heading back to Barcelona.
Food and drinks are not included in the tour. Expert local tour guide- Enjoy a guided horseback ride through the scenic Montserrat Natural Park, with panoramic views of the countryside.
- Explore the breathtaking Montserrat mountain on a half-day trip from Barcelona, featuring a visit to its historic Benedictine Monastery.
- Admire the Massif of Montserrat, a stunning multi-peaked mountain range with unique needle-shaped rock formations.
- Discover the monastery’s rich history, dating back to the 10th century, and (if available) see Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
- Ride in comfort with round-trip transport from Barcelona in an air-conditioned van, making your experience hassle-free.
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Comfortable roundtrip transfers in a A/C MinibusSnacks and champagne toast is includedExpert local tour guide- Take to the skies on a thrilling helicopter tour over Barcelona, and enjoy amazing aerial views of the city’s landmarks.
- Enjoy a hassle-free roundtrip from Barcelona with 4x4 assistance throughout the experience, ensuring comfort and convenience.
- Toast to your adventure with a cava champagne celebration, complemented by a light snack and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Receive a first-flight certificate signed by the pilot, along with a professionally captured photo story to commemorate your experience.
- Upgrade your experience with a guided tour of Montserrat Monastery, available exclusively on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Optional Traditional Catalan LunchExpert local tour guide-
Visit Montserrat’s famous mountain monastery, Girona’s medieval streets, and Costa Brava’s beautiful coastline in a single day.
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Learn about Montserrat’s history, Girona’s Game of Thrones filming sites, and Costa Brava’s scenic charm with an expert guide.
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Travel in an air-conditioned van with hassle-free logistics, ensuring a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable experience.
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Enjoy a more personalized experience with a small group, allowing for better interaction with the guide and a relaxed pace.
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Upgrade your experience by adding a delicious local lunch to your journey and enjoy authentic Catalan flavors along the way.
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About Montserrat Monastery
In the heart of Catalonia's Montserrat mountain range lies Montserrat Monastery. Founded in the 11th century, this sacred site has evolved into a spiritual and cultural hub, attracting pilgrims, artists, and adventurers alike. The monastery's basilica houses the revered Black Madonna, a symbol of Catalonia's enduring faith and resilience. For art aficionados, the monastery's museum boasts a remarkable collection of works by masters such as El Greco and Caravaggio.
Destroyed by Napoleon's army in the 19th century, the monastery has undergone reconstruction, with only a few original walls remaining.
Home to the Escolania choir, Europe's oldest boys' choir, the monastery maintains a tradition of musical excellence, selecting boys based on talent, academics, and social skills.
The monastery's library houses over 300,000 books that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Notably, during WWII, Heinrich Himmler sought the Holy Grail at Montserrat, inspired by Wagner's opera Parsifal.
Today, the monastery, inhabited by over 70 monks, showcases Romanesque architecture and a museum featuring works by Picasso, attracting visitors seeking spiritual and cultural enrichment.
Why visit Montserrat Monastery?
Highlights
Basilica of Montserrat
The Basilica is the centerpiece of Montserrat Monastery, featuring a striking Plateresque Revival facade and a richly decorated interior. Visitors can see intricate sculptures, including reliefs of St. Benedict and St. George, and explore the historic sepulchers of notable figures like Juan de Aragón y de Jonqueras.
Escolania Boys' Choir
Montserrat Monastery is renowned for its Escolania Boys' Choir, one of the oldest in Europe. The boys who attend the Escolania receive a comprehensive education during their time at Montserrat, combining theoretical studies with practical experience gained through singing, studying, and traveling.
Museum of Montserrat
The museum houses ancient Egyptian artifacts, Byzantine icons, and works by renowned artists such as El Greco, Caravaggio, and Picasso. Visitors can also explore exhibits on the iconography of Our Lady of Montserrat.
Cloister and gardens
Designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, the monastery's cloister features two floors supported by stone columns and a serene central garden with a fountain. Visitors can view Romanesque sculptures, including the marble "Good Shepherd" by Manolo Hugué, and explore the Chapel of Sant Iscle and Santa Victòria.
Refectory and pipe organ
The refectory, dating back to the 17th century, showcases a mosaic depicting Christ and a triptych depicting scenes from the life of St. Benedict. Montserrat's pipe organ, inaugurated in 2010 provides a rich musical experience during religious services and concerts.
Plan your visit
Main entrance
The entrance to Montserrat Monastery is accessible via a short shuttle ride from the nearby parking areas. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the facade of the monastery. Queues at the entrance can vary depending on the time of day and season, with peak times typically experiencing longer wait times. To minimize wait times, it's advisable to arrive early in the day or visit during off-peak hours. Purchasing tickets online or buying skip-the-line tickets can also help make entry smoother.
Montserrat Monastery is open daily from 7:30am to 8pm The Escolania Boys' Choir Concerts are held Monday to Friday at 1pm, with another concert at 6:45pm from Monday to Thursday. There are no performances on Saturdays. The Montserrat museum is open from 10am to 6:45pm (5:45pm in winter).
Montserrat Monastery has a shop from which you can purchase souvenirs.
Montserrat Monastery has several toilets for visitor's convenience.
Wheelchairs are available at Montserrat Monastery.
Service animals, including guide dogs are allowed at Montserrat Monastery.
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