Montserrat Monastery Tickets & Tours

4.4(1,934)

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Montserrat Monastery
























































From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+
Dénes József
HU

Dénes

Hungary
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image
Hello! It was very easy to book with the headout app and everything was fine. It was a great help for us. We were in Montserrat with a group of 7 friends. I would recommend them to everyone.
Jenique pascall
CA

Jenique

Canada
Aug 2025
5/5

review-image
Loved the museum, crowd was size was not bad went around 3pm which gave us enough time to see some of things we wanted. Would recommend a whole day but we were short on time. Overall am awesome experience and would do it again should we come back to Barcelona.
John Burns

John

Sep 2025
5/5
Our guide, Bosco, was caring, informative, and so pleasant to spend a day with. Everything ran smoothly and we were able to have a relaxed but focused day at the monastery. The lunch was a great way to meet everyone and enjoy wonderful Catalan cuisine.
Christopher Davies

Christopher

Mar 2025
4/5
The location was great and our guide was very knowledgeable, answered questions and guided us through the experience. It started off a little confusing because of the 3 groups but we worked it out. The meal was excellent. The only down side, the rack-railway? Was this the funacular as we paid for this ourselves. Also not really a full day with just 1hr45 free time. I would have loved to do the walks but time was limited, I would describe this trip as more of a 2/3 of a day.
Adaeze Okoli
CA

Adaeze

Canada
Oct 2025
5/5
Sarah and Kim were wonderful. Sarah was very warm, friendly and very knowledgeable about the history and helped make the trip a very enjoyable one.
Gudmundur Otti Einarsson
IS

Gudmundur

Iceland
Jun 2025
5/5
Montserrat is a wonderful and a peaceful place. It was easy to book online with Julia travel. Our guide (Ivan) was absolutely fantastic - he was fun, lively and informative.
Jill Haky Smith
US

Jill

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
We were happy to stay in the monastery over night. This gave us all day to take advantage of the audio tour, explore the museum slowly, and visit all the grounds. We learned so much from the audio and book. The visitor's center was very helpful. We didn't realize we needed to go to the visitor's center to get the audio and book. The staff was helpful.
Victoria Leontieva

Victoria

Mar 2025
5/5
Montserat is impresive plsce,Great for lovers of active recreation in nature.if you come with car,then I recommended to buy tickets for early hours .


What to expect at Montserrat Monastery

Tourists posing for a photo with Montserrat mountains in the background during hike to monastery.
Black Madonna statue in Montserrat Monastery, Catalonia, Spain.
Boys choir group performing at Montserrat Monastery, Spain.
Tourists exploring the courtyard of Montserrat Monastery, admiring the architecture.
Couple enjoying lunch on Montserrat Guided Tour with mountain view.
Tourists on a guided tour of Montserrat, viewing statues under stone arches.
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Ascend to a mountaintop sanctuary

Begin your journey with a scenic cable car or rack railway ride up the jagged peaks of Montserrat, where the Benedictine monastery dramatically clings to the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of Catalonia’s rugged landscape.

Discover the spiritual heart of Catalonia

Step into the grand Basilica, home to the revered Black Madonna (“La Moreneta”). Feel the hush of devotion as pilgrims line up to see this sacred figure, believed to grant blessings and miracles.

Be uplifted by angelic voices

If you visit during choir hours, experience the hauntingly beautiful Escolania boys’ choir performance, which is one of Europe’s oldes. It fills the Basilica with ethereal harmonies that echo through the mountains.

Explore art, nature, and culture

Wander through the Montserrat Museum’s impressive art collection featuring Dalí, Picasso, and El Greco, or follow the mountain trails to quiet chapels and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Llobregat Valley.

Savor peace and panorama

Enjoy a moment of calm on the monastery terrace or at the café, where the serenity of the mountain and sweeping views create a rare sense of stillness and reflection.

Make it your own journey

Choose from half-day or full-day trips from Barcelona, often including guided tours, scenic train or cable car rides, and free time to hike, pray, or simply take in the awe of this spiritual mountain retreat.

Things to know before you book your Montserrat Monastery tickets

  • Tickets to the Montserrat Monastery sell out fast, so booking them at least 4-5 days in advance online is the best approach. This is because the monastery is a major tourist destination and pilgrimage site, with several visitors wanting to see the Black Madonna.
  • Your Montserrat entry tickets and most other tickets have access to the Black Madonna, the highlight of Montserrat. However, every Montserrat ticket gets you inside the Basilica to see the Black Madonna, but only timed-entry tickets let you climb up to the throne room and touch the golden orb. The slots to visit the Black Madonna run from 8am–10:30am and 12pm–6:25pm, and the line starts to the right of the Basilica. Without a timed slot, you’ll only see it from a distance.
  • The Escolania Boys’ Choir is one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned. You can usually hear their voices on weekdays at 1pm and 7:10pm, and on Sundays and public holidays at 12pm and 6:45pm, but you'll have to book a ticket that includes access to the choir to enjoy this experience.
  • The Montserrat Monastery has two museums - the first is the Montserrat Museum, and the other is the Espai Audio Visual. Some tickets get you access to the first, such as the Montserrat Monastery + Black Madonna ticket and Montserrat Day Trip with train tickets . Others give you access to the Espai Audio Visual, located in the monastery's book shop.
  • If you don’t want to figure out trains and timetables, guided day trips from Barcelona are the easiest. They include round-trip transfers by coach or by train plus rack railway, a local guide, Basilica entry with Black Madonna access, and add-ons like blends tastings or time at the audiovisual exhibit. These are ideal for short-stay visitors or anyone who just wants the whole day handled.
  • If you love wine and food, choose a tour that includes a tasting experience or a 3-course meal. Some tours also include the Black Madonna, while others don’t, so check carefully if that’s important. They move at a slower pace with time set aside for meals, perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting culture plus Catalan cuisine.
  • If you’re more active, day trips can also mean hiking through Montserrat’s natural park or horseback riding through the countryside. These add a bit of adventure to the monastery visit and often include a farmhouse meal. Black Madonna access is not guaranteed, so they’re better for travelers who prioritize outdoor activities over religious highlights.
  • Want to maximize your Montserrat visit? You can explore 3 destinations with one ticket! Visit Montserrat Monastery, explore Girona’s medieval charm, and relax on Costa Brava’s stunning coastline. These are ideal if you want to make the most of your sightseeing.
  • There are several Montserrat day-trips with add-ons like lunch, wine tasting, horseback riding, hot air balloon flights, or hiking. Choose the option that best suits your vibe!
  • Mass at the Basilica takes place at 11am every day and on all holidays including Sundays. 

Your Montserrat Monastery tickets explained

Santa Maria Church at Montserrat Monastery with mountainous backdrop.

Entry Tickets + Audio Guide (Without transfers)

Duration: Flexible Duration

Guide: Audio Guide

Perfect for: Travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace.

  • Enjoy a self-guided Montserrat experience with a multilingual audio guide, map, and brochure, allowing you to explore the abbey, basilica, and museum at your own pace.
  • Secure access to see the Black Madonna, with options to include a performance by the Escolania boys' choir.

Recommended Tickets

Montserrat Experience with Audio Guide

Montserrat Monastery with cog-wheel train and mountain views on guided tour.

Day trips with round-trip transfers

Duration: 5 - 8 hours (depends on the option selected)

Guide: Professional guide (depends on the option selected)

Discover Montserrat hassle-free with round-trip transfers from Barcelona and a variety of experiences to suit your travel style.

Recommended Experiences:

  • If you do not want the stress of finding transport. Choose this option which includes train transfers!
  • If you're looking for a luxurious experience go for this option which includes a rack-railway ride, a guided monastery visit, and a taste of local liquor.
  • Are you a foodie? If so this option which includes wine tasting at a vineyard, a traditional Catalan lunch, and breathtaking views is perfect for you!
  • Looking to kick back and relax while learning something new? Choose this option which includes round-trip transfers and an expert tour guide!
More about Barcelona to Montserrat day trips
Tourists hiking with guide towards Montserrat Monastery in Spain.

Day trips with other inclusions

Duration: 5 - 8 hours (depends on the option selected)

Guide: Professional guide (depends on the option selected)

Enjoy a guided monastery tour alongside exciting add-ons like a scenic hike, horseback riding, or a hot air balloon flight based on the option you select

Recommended Experiences:

  • Take in breathtaking mountain views on a guided hike through Montserrat Natural Park after visiting the monastery.
  • Pair your monastery visit with a scenic horseback ride through the Catalan countryside.
  • Soar above Montserrat with a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking aerial views.
  • Extend your journey with a full-day tour to Girona & Costa Brava covering history, culture, and coastal beauty in one trip.

Montserrat Monastery highlights

Choir performance at Escolania de Montserrat in a crowded basilica.
Tourists photographing Montserrat Monastery from train window.
Group on a guided tour inside Montserrat Monastery, observing architectural details.
Tourists hiking with guide on Montserrat mountain trail with scenic views.
Historic building nestled in the cliffs of Cueva de la Moreneta, surrounded by lush greenery.
Open book on a wooden table
Cheese platter with assorted cheeses, grapes, and red wine glasses during a tasting event.
Montserrat monastery with mountain backdrop at sunset.
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Montserrat boys’ choir (Escolania de Montserrat)

One of the most magical moments of visiting Montserrat is listening to the Escolania, one of Europe’s oldest and most famous boys’ choirs. Their Gregorian chants and sacred hymns fill the basilica with a spiritual atmosphere. Arrive early to grab a seat for their free daily performance (except holidays and summer break).

Cable car or Rack railway

The Aeri de Montserrat (Cable Car) provides a thrilling ride and breathtaking aerial views of the Montserrat Mountain and valley below as you ascend to the monastery. Another option to get to the top is with the Cremallera rack railway, a scenic train journey winding up the mountain, perfect for a relaxing and accessible ride with stunning landscapes.

Montserrat Museum

Art lovers, this one's for you! The Museu de Montserrat is home to an incredible collection of works by Caravaggio, Picasso, Dalí, Monet, and more. You’ll also find ancient Egyptian artifacts and religious relics such as sculptures and manuscripts making this one of Spain’s most fascinating art museums.

Montserrat’s scenic trails

Montserrat is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from easy scenic walks to challenging mountain treks. Popular trails include the Sant Jeroni, the highest peak of Montserrat, with 360° views of Catalonia, the Santa Cova path, a peaceful pilgrimage route leading to the Holy Grotto, where the Black Madonna was found, and the Sant Joan funicular trails. You can take the funicular up and hike through the stunning rock formations of Montserrat.

Santa Cova (Holy Grotto)

Follow the Santa Cova funicular or hike down to the Holy Grotto, the sacred spot where the Black Madonna was discovered. This site has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, and the journey itself is peaceful and reflective.

Monastery’s library

One of the most important libraries in Catalonia, Montserrat’s library houses over 300,000 books, including ancient manuscripts and religious texts. If you're a history buff, this is a hidden gem worth exploring!

Local Montserrat specialties

on’t leave without tasting Montserrat’s famous local products! Look for stalls near the monastery selling specialties like:
Mel i mató (fresh Catalan cheese with honey), local cheeses, traditional herbal liqueur and Ratafia.

Sunset over Montserrat

If you stay late, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sunsets in Spain! Watch the mountain peaks glow pink and orange as the sun dips below the horizon—an unforgettable end to your Montserrat adventure.

Montserrat Monastery map

Plan your visit to Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat Monastery nestled in the rugged mountains of Catalonia, Spain.

Basilica of Montserrat: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 8pm

Throne of Our Lady (Black Madonna)

  • Monday to Friday: 8am – 10:30am / 12pm to 5:45pm
  • Saturday &Sunday: 8am – 10:30am / 12pm to 6:25pm

Museum of Montserrat: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 5:45pm

Interactive Exhibition (Audiovisual Space)

  • Monday to Friday: 9am to 5:45pm
  • Saturday &Sunday: 9am to 6:45pm

Holy Grotto

  • Monday to Friday: 10:30am to 3:30pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:30am to 4pm
Montserrat Monastery opening hours
Cogwheel train ascending to Montserrat Monastery, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery.

The most popular option to get to the monastery is to take the train and then the cable car or rack railway to the top.

  • Train and cable car: This is the quickest and most scenic option. Take the R5 line from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona to Aeri de Montserrat. The journey by train takes approximately one hour. Once you arrive at Aeri de Montserrat, you can take a cable car up to the monastery for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Train and rack railway: This is a slower option than the cable car, but it offers a more traditional experience. Take the R5 line from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat. The train journey takes about an hour. From Monistrol de Montserrat, you can take the Cremallera (rack railway or cog wheel) up to the monastery
Train journey through scenic Montserrat mountains, Spain.
  • Getting to Montserrat by train is fully accessible from Plaça España (Barcelona) to Montserrat via the Montserrat Rack Railway.
  • If you choose to come by car, there are designated parking spaces available for guests with disabilities. 
  • Gradual slopes and ramps provide access to the Basilica. The Black Madonna shrine is not fully accessible, but visitors can view the statue from 2 meters away.
  • Disabled toilets are available in public areas and inside restaurants.
  • The only areas that are not accessible are the hiking trails and funiculars (Sant Joan & Santa Cova) as they both have steep inclines.
  • A small green-adapted train offers free transport within Montserrat for travelers with limited mobility.
Plan your visit to Montserrat Monastery
Tourists with guide in front of Girona Cathedral, Spain, exploring historic architecture.
  • Remember that Montserrat Monastery has a strict dress code. Both men and women need to cover their shoulders and knees and flip-flops are not allowed.
  • Maintain silence inside the Basilica and prayer areas to respect worshippers.
  • Littering is prohibited—use designated trash bins.
  • No drones or unauthorized photography inside religious areas.
  • Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas but prohibited inside the Basilica during mass.
  • Flash photography and tripods are not permitted in indoor areas like the museum and audiovisual space.
  • Stay on marked paths and trails while hiking. Do not climb on rocks or restricted areas.
  • Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica or other indoor areas, except for service animals.
Women tasting crema catalana with Montserrat mountains in the background.
  • Restaurant Hostal Abat Cisneros: This restaurant is part of the Hostal Abat Cisneros Hotel. It is a unique dining room with a large stone arch and bare rock walls. It has options such as crema catalana. The hotel is about a 5-minute walk (approximately 450 meters) from Montserrat Monastery itself.
  • Restaurant Montserrat: Located in the Mirador dels Apòstols building, this spacious restaurant provides panoramic views and Mediterranean cuisine such as Gazpacho and goat cheese salad with honey & nuts. It is designed to host large groups, making it ideal for family gatherings or celebrations. This is located within the sanctuary area of Monsterrat.
  • Montserrat Buffet: Located on the second floor of the Mirador dels Apòstols, this all-you-can-eat buffet offers a wide range of Mediterranean and international dishes such as paella and Mediterranean salads at great value. It’s perfect for visitors looking for a quick meal. This buffet is in the same building as Restaurant Montserrat.

Tip: Try Mató de Montserrat, a traditional fresh cheese often served with honey.

Montserrat's restaurants
Tourists with guide exploring Montserrat Monastery courtyard.
  • The monastery is a sacred place, so you must dress respectfully.
  • Wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, and flip flops is prohibited as you're not allowed to expose your knees and shoulders.
  • You must remove your hat before entering the basilica.

Tips for visiting Montserrat Monastery

  • Arrive early in the morning (before 10am) or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The best months to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant.
  • The cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) provides stunning views but may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.
  • The Black Madonna is placed at a gold altar above the chapel. There are two lines here: one to enter the basilica and a much longer one to get up close to the Black Madonna for wish-granting requests. Make sure to choose the right line because waiting to see the Black Madonna can take hours!
  • Expect some inclines and uneven terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket as Montserrat’s altitude makes it cooler than Barcelona.
  • The Mirador de Sant Jeroni offers the best panoramic views but requires a hike. Mirador dels Apòstols is an easier viewpoint close to the main complex.
  • Take advantage of the Sant Joan and Santa Cova funiculars to access higher viewpoints and hiking trails. These provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape and can save time on foot.
  • The Santa Cova Funicular leads to the Santa Cova Chapel, where the legend of the Black Madonna originates.
  • Beyond the main monastery, explore the hidden hermitages scattered throughout the Montserrat mountains, such as the Hermitage of Sant Miquel or Sant Joan.
  • While most places accept cards, some local vendors (e.g., cheese and honey stalls) only take cash.
  • Mobile reception can be spotty in the mountains. Download offline maps or guides before you go.
  • Visit Montserrat Monastery and other iconic sites with a Barcelona City Card for extra value and convenience.

More tips for Montserrat Monastery

Frequently asked questions about Montserrat Monastery

Where is Montserrat Monastery located?

It is about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Barcelona, in the Catalonia region of Spain.

Is Montserrat worth visiting?

Yes! Whether you’re interested in history, spirituality, nature, or adventure, Montserrat offers something for everyone.

Is Montserrat suitable for families?

Yes, Montserrat offers family-friendly activities like easy hiking trails, scenic funicular rides, and interactive exhibits at the museum.

When can I hear the boys' choir perform?

The Escolania de Montserrat performs daily at 1pm from Monday to Friday and at 12pm on Sundays. It’s advisable to arrive early for seating.

Is Montserrat accessible for those with mobility challenges?

While some areas of Montserrat are accessible, the mountainous terrain poses challenges. The main square and basilica are accessible, but certain parts like the museum may be difficult to navigate.

What else can I do at Montserrat?

Besides visiting the monastery, you can explore hiking trails, visit the Museum of Montserrat, or discover hidden gems like the Holy Grotto and various hermitages.

What local products should I buy at Montserrat?

You should buy cheese (mató), honey, fig cakes, herbal liqueurs, and Montserrat wine.

Is hiking in Montserrat difficult?

It depends! Some trails are easy (Santa Cova), while others require moderate to high fitness levels (Sant Jeroni).

Is Montserrat safe to visit?

Yes, it is very safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.