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Montserrat Monastery

This ancient site offers astonishing views of the Catalan landscape and the famed Black Madonna.

Montserrat Monastery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery Visit & Lunch at a Farmhouse

1. Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery Visit & Lunch at a Farmhouse

Take a day trip from Barcelona to visit Monserat. Take in the mountain views, visit the famous monastery, then head to a local farmhouse for a delicious dinner. Begin in the upper part of Passeig de Gràcia. Then journey to the natural splendor of Montserrat, Catalonia’s most emblematic mountain topped by a Benedictine Monastery. Montserrat is an ideal trip to spend a day in nature, just a few kilometers away from Barcelona. En route to the Monastery, admire the Massif of Montserrat, a multi-peaked rocky range packed with needle-shaped formations. Upon arrival, visit the Monastery, which was founded in the 10th century and still functions with 150 monks to this day.  It famously hosts the dark figure of La Moreneta, who is the patron saint of Catalonia. Your guide will explain the Monastery's history, which dates back nearly a thousand years. After the visit, you will have free time to buy a souvenir and take pictures. Next, visit a farmhouse with stunning views. Enjoy a delicious 3-course menu; consisting of salad, barbecued food (with vegetarian and halal options), and dessert. Following this adventurous day, return to the center of Barcelona by private transport.

Barcelona: Montserrat Tour, Monastery & Optional Wine/Lunch

2. Barcelona: Montserrat Tour, Monastery & Optional Wine/Lunch

Experience an unforgettable guided group tour to Montserrat, Catalonia's most famous mountain range. Take in the beauty of its natural rolling landscape and discover the history and traditions of its medieval monastery. After your bus journey from Barcelona, board the cogwheel train up to the monastery and admire the beautiful nature and iconic multi-peaked mountain range of Montserrat. Once at the monastery, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical center of the complex.  Learn about the rich history of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, an 11th-century monastery that still functions to this day. Entry to the monastery is included in the tour price. Use the allotted free time to wander freely. Plan ahead and book your time slot to visit the famous Black Madonna. See paintings by Picasso, El Greco, and Dali at the Montserrat Museum. During your free time, you can also ride the funicular train up the side of the mountain to get even better viewpoints of the monastery.  Travelers who booked the half-day tour option will return to Barcelona after the visit to Montserrat. If you chose a full-day tour option, you'll continue toward a beautiful boutique winery. Arrive at the winery and, depending on the food option you booked, enjoy a light tapas or multi-course lunch. Admire amazing views of the winery and Montserrat mountains as you feast on traditional foods of the region. After your meal, wander around the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and enjoy a wine tasting session, before traveling back to Barcelona.

From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Natural Park Hike

3. From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Natural Park Hike

Discover the mountain village of Montserrat on a guided tour from Barcelona. Visit the Monastery of Montserrat and explore the tranquil surroundings of Montserrat National Park. Start in the upper part of Passeig de Gràcia before journeying by bus to experience the natural splendor of Montserrat. Admire the Massif of Montserrat on the way to the monastery. Take in this spectacular rocky, multi-peaked range packed with unique needle-shaped formations. Visit the still-functioning monastery that houses over 70 monks and was founded in the 11th century.  Learn about the monastery’s history and ventures dating back nearly a thousand years. Next, board the Sant Joan Railway and observe the area’s natural beauty. Follow an easy hiking trail with a specialized guide along the Montserrat Natural Park. Relax after the hike and taste the traditional Catalan dessert, Mel i Mato, which is made up of cheese drizzled with honey from local farmers. Enjoy a sweet end to your Montserrat tour.

Barcelona: Half-Day Montserrat Experience

4. Barcelona: Half-Day Montserrat Experience

Begin by meeting your guide in the center of Barcelona, from where your unique experience begins. Join your group in an air-conditioned private vehicle for the journey up the mountain of Montserrat. Enjoy the views as you hear about Montserrat’s Basilica and Monastery, home of la Moreneta (Black Madonna). Unlike other tours, this experience allows you to gain early access to visit the Montserrat Monastery, well before the crowds arrive. Upon your arrival, enjoy a 45-minute guided tour throughout which you learn about Montserrat including its secrets. This tour also sees you visiting the farmer’s market and entering the basilica. You guide then explains all the fun activities you can do with your 2 hours of free time following the guided tour. You can visit la Moreneta (Black Madonna), enter the museum, taste the monastery’s homemade liquor, go to an easy walk to the Saint Miguel, take the Sant Joan Funicular, and much more.

Montserrat: Cable Car Ticket

5. Montserrat: Cable Car Ticket

Enjoy direct access to the Montserrat cable car and discover Montserrat from the sky with a unique view of the mountain. Find tickets that suit your plans with options to depart in each direction, or take the cable car both ways. Marvel at panoramic views of the rugged Catalan countryside. Journey to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa María de Montserrat and its famous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat without having to climb. Cable up the mountain in safety, as Aeri de Montserrat has had technical improvements to ensure it is a safe facility. 

From Barcelona: Montserrat Half Day Guided Tour

6. From Barcelona: Montserrat Half Day Guided Tour

Explore the mountain of Montserrat on this day trip from Barcelona. Travel by bus to the mountain and take the cogwheel train to a viewpoint on top of the mountain. Visit the Benedictine Abbey and see the famed Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary. Depart from a conveniently located meeting point in Barcelona and relax on the drive into the peaceful Catalonian countryside. On the drive, listen to your guide share stories and anecdotes about the fascinating history of Montserrat and the religious influences of the site. Admire the luscious rolling landscapes from the minibus, before arriving at the region’s most famous mountain range, Montserrat. See its unique jagged edges and imposing structure. Ride the rack railway to the top of Montserrat. Take in stunning views across the mountain range once you reach the top. From here, visit the Benedictine Abbey and the Santa Maria de Montserrat, which houses the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary. Learn about the rich history of these beautiful buildings cut into the rock. Visit the famous Montserrat Monastery, where the image of the Mare de Déu de Montserrat is venerated. Widely and affectionately known as La Moreneta, she has been the patron saint of Catalonia since 1881. Have the option to see the Montserrat’s boys choir, one of the oldest in Europe, depending on the date and time of the tour.

Montserrat & Cava Wineries Day Trip from Barcelona w/ Pickup

7. Montserrat & Cava Wineries Day Trip from Barcelona w/ Pickup

Discover the beauty of Mount Montserrat and visit the Montserrat Monastery on this day trip in an airconditioned van from Barcelona. Head to Santa Cova and have the chance to hear the Montserrat’s Boys’ Choir. Savor wine and tapas at an ancient winery in Sant Sadurní d'Anoi.  Depart Barcelona and drive towards the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range for a morning visit to the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, world-renowned for its shrine to the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as the "Black Madonna." Marvel at the monastery and its surrounding scenery on a curious-shaped rock that rises 2,380 feet above sea level. Enter the monastery to see its Romanesque icon of the "Black Madonna" which is thought to date back to the 12th century. Get unparalleled views of the magical landscape, declared a national park in 1987. Head to the Santa Cova ("Holy Grotto") where, according to legend, the virgin appeared before some shepherd children in a vision.  Benefit from the chance to hear the angelic voices of La Escolania de Montserrat (Montserrat’s Boys’ Choir ), one of the oldest children's choirs in Europe (subject to seasonal availability). Head to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in the heart of Catalonia's cava wine producing region and visit a premium cava winery, where the tradition of making sparkling wines date back almost 5 centuries. Visit the cellar and descend to the dungeons where the wine is stored for several years. Learn about wine production and vineyard maintenance. Taste 3 varieties of local wines and cavas paired with traditional cheeses and cold meats. Gaze out at views of the Catalan countryside with Mount Montserrat in the background. Hear about the process of producing cava at a family business that first produced it according to traditional methods in 1872, and by using grapes from the Penedès region. Return to your meeting point in Barcelona at the conclusion of your tour. 

From Barcelona: Half-Day Montserrat & Horse Riding Tour

8. From Barcelona: Half-Day Montserrat & Horse Riding Tour

Discover the stunning beauty of Montserrat mountain on this half-day trip from Barcelona. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned van to the mountain's Benedictine Monastery where the La Moreneta statue is located. Ride on horseback through the Montserrat Natural Park.  Board a spacious van at centrally-located in meeting point in Barcelona. Relax on the drive, admiring the Massif of Montserrat on the way to the monastery. Take in this spectacular multi-peaked rocky range packed with uniquely-pointed rock formations. Visit the monastery which was founded in the 10th century, but still functions to this day with over 70 monks. View the figure of La Moreneta (visit dependent on availability), who is the patron saint of Catalonia. Listen as your guide brings the past alive by explaining the history and ventures of this monastery which dates back nearly a thousand years. Next, head to a nearby equestrian center, located at the foothills of the Massif. Marvel at breathtaking views of Montserrat on a horseback ride through the national park. Learn how to communicate with your horse and the basics of grooming and saddling a horse. Practice your riding skills as you enjoy the freedom and tranquility of the countryside. Take leisurely route that is suitable for every level of rider. Return by bus to your meeting point in Barcelona at the end of your trip. 

From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Scenic Mountain Hike

9. From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Scenic Mountain Hike

Take a day tour of Monserrat from Barcelona and enjoy the area's natural beauty. Visit the monastery before boarding a funicular to reach sweeping views of Catalonia from the mountaintop. Meet your guide at the local partner's office in Barcelona and settle in for the hour-long ride to Montserrat. Your first stop is the Benedictine Abbey. Explore this 11th-century religious sanctuary home to Catalonia’s patron saint: The Black Madonna. Next, board the funicular railway and ascend to the top of the mountain. Enjoy stunning views of valleys, mountains, and the sea. Hike on the same paths used by pilgrims hundreds of years ago as you admire Montserrat’s fascinating flora and fauna. Wander past rocky pillars and ravines as you breathe in the mountain air. Have some free time back in the monastery area after your hike. Browse the local market before you catch a ride back to Barcelona.

Barcelona: Montserrat Guided Tour with Optional Cog-Wheel

10. Barcelona: Montserrat Guided Tour with Optional Cog-Wheel

Visit Montserrat Monastery on this half-day trip from Barcelona.  Scale Montserrat Mountain on the cogwheel train. Admire the beauty of the monastery's architecture and hear stories about its famed Black Madonna statue. Board a bus from Barcelona and set off on a ride to the magical mountain of Montserrat. Discover its rocky geography, beautiful scenery, local liquors, and cultural wealth with a guide. Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the monastery. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary. Then, learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Black Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. Visit the Church and see the Black Madonna. Enjoy free time to taste the finest liquors, shop for locally produced treats or visit the audiovisual exhibition once the guided tour finishes.

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What people are saying about Montserrat Monastery

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 7,059 reviews

The guides were great. When people would move on the bus so that I could sit with my young child on the first leg, they gave up their seats so we could be together. We broke down into smaller groups for touring and tasting than the large bus to Monserrat. Unfortunately, there was an unscheduled concert inside the monastery that delayed entry. As we knew our children wanted to ride the funicular, we skipped the interior for a quick hike. Once at the vineyard, they made adjustments to the tapas, adding extra ham for my kids and even producing coloring sheets!

We had a great day with Pol. We opted for the tour to Monserrat followed by tapas and wine tasting. Pol was a great guide - very knowledgeable, explained things well and gave great tips for what to see and experience in our free time. We were happy that the tour left on time and returned at the stated time on the description. He had a good handle on the group and it was a most enjoyable day.

Monserrat is a must see place when visiting Barcelona. Our guide was thorough in introducing us to the sights and places of interest.

Really nice experience, and the guide was so friendly. Really a pleasure

Great trip and great guide. We loved the winery tour as well