Montserrat Barcelona

Montserrat is a mountain and a monastery located near Barcelona, Spain. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims who want to see the stunning views, the impressive architecture, and the famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as the Black Madonna. Here are some tips on how to plan your visit to Montserrat.

• Ticket: You can buy your ticket online or at the station. There are different options depending on how you want to get to Montserrat (train, cable car, or rack railway) and what you want to see (museum, audiovisual space, funiculars, etc.). You can check the prices and timetables on the official website: https://www.montserratvisita.com/en/index.html
• Open: The monastery is open every day from 7:30 am to 8 pm. The basilica is open from 7:30 am to 10:30 am and from 12 pm to 6:45 pm. The museum is open from 10 am to 5:45 pm. The audiovisual space is open from 9 am to 5:45 pm. The funiculars are open from 9:55 am to 5:45 pm (Sant Joan) and from 9:40 am to 5:45 pm (Santa Cova).
• Close: The monastery is closed on January 1st, December 25th, and December 26th. The museum is closed on January 1st and December 25th. The audiovisual space is closed on January 1st, December 25th, and December 26th. The funiculars are closed on January 6th, February 1st-4th, November 1st-4th, and December 6th-9th.
• Days: You can visit Montserrat Barcelona any day of the year, but keep in mind that it can get very crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also stay overnight at the hotel or the hostel inside the monastery complex.
• Hours: You can spend as much time as you want at Montserrat Barcelona, but we recommend at least half a day to see the main attractions. If you have more time, you can also explore the natural park, hike some trails, or join a guided tour.
• How to get: The easiest way to get to Montserrat Barcelona from Barcelona is by train. You can take the R5 line from Plaça Espanya station and get off at either Monistrol de Montserrat (to take the rack railway) or Aeri de Montserrat (to take the cable car). The journey takes about an hour and costs around €20 round trip. You can also take a bus from Barcelona Sants station or rent a car and drive yourself.
• Tips: Some tips to make your visit more enjoyable are:
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and the religious site. Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering the basilica.
  • Bring water and snacks with you. There are some cafeterias and restaurants at Montserrat, but they can be expensive and busy.
  • Listen to the boys’ choir sing at the basilica. They perform every day at 1 pm and sometimes at 6:45 pm. It’s a beautiful and moving experience.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to touch or kiss the hand of the Black Madonna. She is located behind the main altar of the basilica and you can access her through a staircase on the right side. The line can be long, but it moves fast.
  • Enjoy the views from different perspectives. You can take the funiculars to reach higher points of the mountain or walk to some viewpoints around the monastery. You can also see Montserrat from below by visiting Santa Cova, where the image of the Virgin was supposedly found.
• Tours: If you prefer a guided tour of Montserrat, there are many options available. You can book a half-day or full-day tour from Barcelona that includes transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide. Some tours also combine Montserrat with other attractions nearby, such as a winery or a castle. You can check some tour options here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=montserrat&customerSearch=1&searchSource=2&p=1
• Prohibitions: There are some things that are not allowed at Montserrat, such as:
  • Smoking inside the buildings or near flammable areas.
  • Taking photos or videos inside the basilica during mass or choir performances.
  • Eating or drinking inside the basilica or the museum.
  • Making noise or disturbing other visitors or monks.
  • Climbing or touching the rocks or sculptures without permission.
  • Leaving trash or graffiti on the site.
• What to see: There are many things to see at Montserrat Barcelona, but some of the highlights are:
  • The basilica of Montserrat, where you can admire the Romanesque architecture, the Gothic altarpiece, and the organ.
  • The Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia and one of the most revered icons in Spain.
  • The museum of Montserrat, where you can see artworks by Dalí, Picasso, El Greco, Caravaggio, and more.
  • The audiovisual space of Montserrat, where you can learn about the history, culture, and nature of Montserrat through interactive exhibits.
  • The funiculars of Sant Joan and Santa Cova, which offer panoramic views of the mountain and access to hiking trails and chapels.