Barcelona Tickets

Montserrat Monastery tickets

4.4(1.8K Ratings)

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Montserrat Monastery






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Christopher Davies

Christopher

Mar 2025
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.
Gudmundur Otti Einarsson
IS

Gudmundur

Iceland
Jun 2025
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.
Keila Fontanez
US

Keila

United States
Apr 2025
My tour guide MK was super engaging, we learned so much from him. He was super attentive making sure the group stayed together before breaktime, which made the whole experience seemless for us.
Victoria Leontieva

Victoria

Mar 2025
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 .
Waybon Wells
US

Waybon

United States
Nov 2024
Montserrat was very moving from a spiritual and natural beauty perspective. Having all my arrangements in advance made it seamless.
Lily Lin
US

Lily

United States
Jun 2025
Site visit was good, the train was a mess and the small tot train also had limited seats! I did NOT like to fight for a seat both up and down to Monserrat! Don't oversell!
John Barratt
NZ

John

New Zealand
May 2025
Easy access to tickets, process was very well documented and easy! If anyone has time on their visit to Barcelona, I'd highly recommend getting out of the city for the day to experience this amazing place, the views are incredible, we spent a good 2-3 hours wandering in the hills of Monserrate.

Top things to do in Barcelona

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a journey to the famous Montserrat Monastery, a centuries-old Benedictine abbey that is a spiritual haven and a place of incredible natural beauty. During your day trip to Montserrat, you can admire the famous Black Madonna, enjoy breathtaking views from the mountaintop, and wander along the hiking trails that surround the monastery!

Things to know before you book your Montserrat Monastery tickets

  • Your Montserrat entry tickets and most other tickets have access to the Black Madonna, the highlight of Montserrat.
  • If you love wine and food, choose a tour that includes a tasting experience or a 3-course meal
  • We recommend choosing a day trip ticket as they all include round-trip transfers eliminating the need to worry about transport logistics. However, if you'd like to explore at your own pace you can go for a self-guided tour without transfers.
  • 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.
  • There are several Montserrat day-trip options with add-ons like lunch, wine tasting, horse riding, hot air balloon flights, or scenic hikes. Choose the option that best suits your vibe!
  • Mass at the Basilica takes place at 11am every day and on all holidays including Sundays. 
  • Check your ticket inclusions to see if it has the Escolania Choir, one of Europe's oldest boys' choirs and is a must-see. The Escolania de Montserrat boys sing at the basilica daily between Monday to Friday at 1pm and during Sunday Mass at 11am.

Why a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat is a must-do

Montserrat Monastery nestled in rugged mountain landscape, Spain.
Black Madonna statue inside Montserrat Monastery, Catalonia, Spain.
Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir performing in Montserrat Abbey, Catalonia.
Montserrat mountain landscape with hikers on a trail, part of a day trip from Barcelona.
Santa Maria Church at Montserrat Monastery with mountainous backdrop.
Tourists on train journey to Montserrat Monastery, Spain, with scenic mountain views.
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Stunning natural setting

The Montserrat Mountains, with their dramatic, saw-toothed peaks, create one of the most unique landscapes in Spain. Whether you hike to a scenic viewpoint or take a funicular to the top, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

See the famous Black Madonna

See the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), a 12th-century sacred statue and the patron saint of Catalonia. Thousands of pilgrims visit each year to see this revered figure, who is said to have miraculous powers. Whether you’re spiritual or just love a good legend, this is a must-see!

Experience the Escolania Boys’ Choir

One of Europe’s oldest and most renowned boys' choirs, the Escolania de Montserrat, performs Gregorian chants and sacred music in the basilica. The Escolania de Montserrat delivers a spine-tingling performance that you won’t forget anytime soon!

Hike through Montserrat’s trails

Love the outdoors? Montserrat is a hiker’s paradise! Choose from scenic walking paths or adrenaline-pumping hikes that lead to hidden sections, stunning lookouts, and spiritual retreats. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Pyrenees!

Journey through history

Founded in 1025, Montserrat Monastery has withstood wars and reconstructions. It houses a library with over 300,000 books and a museum featuring works by Caravaggio, Picasso, Dalí, and Monet, as well as archaeological pieces from Egypt and Mesopotamia!

Scenic transport options

Getting to Montserrat is half the fun! Hop on the Cremallera Rack Railway or take the Aeri de Montserrat cable car and glide up the mountain while soaking in incredible panoramic views. Once there, take the Sant Joan funicular to a spectacular viewpoint or the Santa Cova funicular to the Holy Grotto, where the Black Madonna was first discovered!

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

Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna statue and scenic mountain backdrop, Barcelona, Spain.

Black Madonna (La Moreneta)

Visit the Basilica of Montserrat and see the legendary Black Madonna, Catalonia’s patron saint. This 12th-century Roman statue is said to have miraculous powers, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Touch her hand for a blessing and take in the beautiful golden altar surrounding her.

All about Black Madonna
Boys choir group performing at Montserrat Monastery, Spain, with scenic mountain backdrop.

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).

Montserrat Monastery cogwheel train journey from Barcelona with scenic mountain views.

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 rack railway
Monks leading a guided tour inside Montserrat Monastery, Spain, showcasing intricate architecture and religious artifacts.

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.

Museum of Montserrat
Tourists hiking with guide towards Montserrat Monastery in Spain.

Montserrat’s scenic trails

Montserrat is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from easy scenic walks to challenging mountain treks. Popular trails include:

  • Sant Jeroni: The highest peak of Montserrat, with 360° views of Catalonia.
  • Santa Cova path: A peaceful pilgrimage route leading to the Holy Grotto, where the Black Madonna was found.
  • Sant Joan funicular trails: Take the funicular up and hike through the stunning rock formations of Montserrat.
Hiking in Montserrat
Santa Cova Chapel in Montserrat with views of Cueva de la Moreneta.

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.

Monsterrate library books

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!

Mato dessert with honey, traditional Catalan dish, Catalonia.

Local Montserrat specialties

Don’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, Ratafia

Montserrat mountain silhouette at sunset with vibrant sky.

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.

Getting to Montserrat Monastery

There are a few ways to get to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona. The most popular option 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

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
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

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.

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.