Montserrat Monastery - Barcelona Things To Do
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Visit a revered place of pilgrimage in Catalonia Spain on a Barcelona day trip to Monserrat Monastery. The stunning Benedictine abbey is built atop the cliffs and domed peaks of the Monserrat Mountains. At the monastery, see the ancient Black Madonna and Montserrat Museum. Our Monserrat Monastery – Barcelona Things To Do travel blog post will help you plan an unforgettable day.
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MONTSERRAT MONASTERY HISTORY
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey was founded in the 11th century by Benedictine monks. The sanctuary was built to house the Black Madonna (aka “Our Lady of Montserrat”). The important roman catholic relic was discovered by shepherds in a cave high in the Montserrat Mountains.
Legend has it that after its discovery, monks tried to move the wooden statue, but could not. Instead, they built a church around it. Through the ages many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady of Montserrat. Drawing pilgrims from around the world, the Black Madonna is revered as a symbol of healing and empowerment, and is the patroness saint of Catalonia.
Rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, the sprawling Montserrat Monastery has elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque architecture. Today, Montserrat is a working Benedictine abbey with a full calendar of religious services and some 80 monks living onsite. In addition to being a place of pilgrimage, the site has immeasurable cultural and historical value, great hiking trails, and spectacular scenery.
WHERE IS MONTSERRAT MONASTERY
Montserrat Monastery is located about 37 miles (60km) north-west of Barcelona in the town of Monistrol de Monserrat. The abbey, 718 meters high, looks down upon the town.
HOW TO GET TO MONSERRAT FROM BARCELONA
Most visitors will travel to Montserrat Monastery by car, train, or bus. The type of ticket you purchase will depend on your choice of transport. Check out the price of rental cars in Barcelona here.
Car
Montserrat is a 60-90 minute ride from Barcelona. When you reach Monistrol you can park (for free) at the bottom of the mountain and take the Cremallera de Montserrat (rack railway) or Montserrat cable car to the top of the mountain. Alternatively, you can drive to the car park at the top of the mountain. Fees depend on the size of your vehicle and the length of your stay.
Train
Trains run between Barcelona’s Plaza Espanya and Monistrol de Montserrat roughly every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 1 hour. Once disembarked in Monistrol, you can walk to the Cremallera de Monserrat (rack railway) or Montserrat cable car.
Bus
Autocares Julia is a bus company with a Barcelona – Montserrat line that offers daily service. The bus departs once in the morning and returns in the afternoon. The journey takes 90 minutes one-way. The departure point in Barcelona is next to the Sants Train Station.
Cremallera de Montserrat
Once in Monistrol, visitors can embark upon the Cremallera rack railway for a train trip to Monserrat Abbey. Parking is free, and the views from the train are spectacular. A rack railway tour is a very popular way to get to the monastery.
Aeri de Monserrat Cable Car
The Monserrat cable car travels 1350 meters up the mountain in a gondola-type car. The car holds up to 35 people and the journey takes 5 minutes. Parking is free. The trip offers views of the River LLobregat, village of Monistrol, and Santa Cova shrine. You can book you cable car ticket ahead online.
BARCELONA TOURS
If you want to skip the hassle of coordinating transportation schedules and ticketing, book a tour. Tours to Monserrat are some of the most popular Barcelona things to do. A guided day tour will generally include transportation, tickets, and narration. Having visited the site, here are a few half-day, full-day, and combination tours we suggest:
Montserat Railway, Museum Tickets, & Audio Tour
Tapas & Afternoon Montserrat with Choir
THINGS TO SEE AT MONTSERRAT MONASTERY
Montserrat Basilica & Black Madonna
The minimalist exterior of the basilica is in sharp contrast with its magnificent interior. On the first floor see the atrium, nave, alter, and side chapels. Then, climb a winding staircase to see the Shrine of the Black Madonna Montserrat, and touch her orb. Exiting the basilica, pause in the lovely candle passage on the Ave Maria Corridor.
Montserrat Museum
The Montserrat Museum’s spacious gallery is home to one of Spain’s most valuable art collections including works by Caravaggio, Dali, El Greco, Monet, and Picasso.
The Audiovisual Room
The Audiovisual Room has exhibits educating visitors on Montserrat’s monastery, mountain, and the sanctuary.
Escolania Boys Choir
The Monserrat Boys Choir is one of the oldest in Europe. The choir performs at many Monserrat Basilica ceremonies. On weekdays the choir sings at 1pm; on Sundays the choir usually performs at noon and in the evening. This afternoon tour take in a performance of the boy's choir.
Shopping & Wine Tasting
On the monastery’s lower level, there is a large bodega with several other shops. These stores sell religious statues, souvenirs, clothing, and a line of wines produced at the Monserrat Monastery. Wine tastings are available upon request. This Montserrat Monastery tour includes a wine tasting and lunch.
Hiking
Montserrat is popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. There are several short scenic trails that can be accessed from the monastery grounds. If you are interested in a hike, try the Sant Jerome (2 hours), Via Crucis (20 minutes), or the Creu de Sant Miguel (40 minutes). This hiking tour includes transportation, a tour of monastery, and a guided hike.
Funicular Ride
There are two funiculars you can access from the monastery. The Sant Joan Funicular goes up the mountain to 1000 meters. At the top of the ride, you can disembark to enjoy the amazing views. Then, ride or hike back down the mountain. The Santa Cova Funicular travels to the cave where the Black Madonna is said to have been discovered.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MONTSERRAT MONASTERY
With its Mediterranean climate, the monastery can be visited year round. The site is busiest on the weekends and during the summer months of July and August. We think the best time to visit Montserrat Abbey is a weekday in the spring or fall when the weather is warm and the sky is clear.
NEED TO KNOW INFO
Opening Days and Hours
Open every day. Opening Hours: Hours change seasonably. The Monastery Information Office is open Monday – Friday 9am-5:30pm; and weekends and holidays 9am-6:55pm.
Admission Tickets
Admission fees vary according to season, age group, and what you want to see at the abbey. There are admission fees to the Sanctuary (Atrium, Basilica, and Chapel), museums, parking, cable car, Cremallera train, and funiculars.
Visitor Information Center
Tickets, audio guides, maps, and site booklets are available in different languages.
Restrooms
Available in all public buildings.
Food & Drink
Onsite there are three restaurants and a supermarket.
Staying Overnight
There is a hotel, hostel, and apartments onsite for overnight stays.
Weather
It is often colder and windier on the mountain than in Barcelona.
TIPS FOR VISITING A RELIGIOUS SITE
Dress conservatively. Men and women should have knees and shoulders covered, and refrain from wearing flip flops.
Do not take photos/videos during religious services. Do not use a flash.
Do not enter chapels during a religious ceremony. Wait till the service concludes before entering the space.
MONTSERRAT MONASTERY ACCESSIBILITY
The Montserrat Basilica, Museum of Montserrat, and Cremallera rack railway are fully accessible to wheelchairs and scooters. Those with mobility impairments should be aware the Montserrat Monastery is spread out over a large campus with many slopes and grade changes.
Adios de las montanas (Goodbye from the mountains), Laura and Randy
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