Christopher
Gudmundur
Keila
Victoria
Waybon
Lily
John
Standing high in the Montserrat mountains, this centuries-old monastery is one of Spain’s most famous spiritual sites. Inside, you’ll find the Black Madonna, a statue said to grant wishes to those who touch her. Whether you’re here for faith or fascination, walking through the monastery’s grand halls and listening to the angelic voices of the L'Escolania Boys’ Choir (if performing) is a moment to remember.
Why stick to the usual when you can experience Montserrat in a completely new way? Saddle up for a horseback ride through the peaceful Catalan countryside, where rolling hills and gentle landscapes create the perfect backdrop. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, take to the skies in a hot air balloon for a flight over Montserrat’s jagged peaks. Watching the sun light up the mountain from above is nothing short of magical.
Getting to Montserrat is part of the fun! The cogwheel train winds its way up the mountainside, offering incredible views as you ascend. Once there, hop on the Sant Joan Funicular to go even higher for jaw-dropping views of the monastery and beyond. Prefer a stress-free ride? Many guided tours offer private transport, so you can sit back, relax, and soak in the views without worrying.
Step away from the main paths and visit the Santa Cova Chapel, a sanctuary built into the cliffs, believed to be the original resting place of the Black Madonna. Another lesser-known gem is the Sant Benet Monastery, a quiet retreat with stunning views, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the crowds.
While most visitors come for the monastery, few realize that the Montserrat Museum houses an unexpected treasure trove of artwork. Beyond religious artifacts, you'll find pieces by Dalí, Monet, Caravaggio, and even ancient Egyptian relics. It’s a fascinating detour for art lovers looking for something beyond the spiritual history of Montserrat.
Take a scenic hike to St. Michael's Cross from the abbey grounds. The trail starts near the Santa Cova funicular station and takes about 20 minutes each way. It's a bit hilly but totally worth it for the views, especially of the abbey snuggled among towering mountains. If you're up for a challenge, trek to Cavall Bernat, a rock formation popular among climbers. The trails leading to these spots are quieter, making them perfect for those who want to experience Montserrat’s beauty in solitude.
To reach the monastery, you can take either the cable car from 'Aeri de Montserrat' or the rack railway from 'Monistrol de Montserrat.' Once there, you can hop on the 'Sant Joan' funicular for an even higher viewpoint or the 'Santa Cova' funicular to visit the Holy Cave of Montserrat, where the Virgin of Montserrat was said to have appeared.
The three primary modes of transportation are:
Once in Montserrat, visitors can ascend to the monastery via two main options Cable Car and Rack Railway (cogwheel train)
Montserrat is approximately 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Barcelona, and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach by train, car, or guided tour.
You can travel to Montserrat by train (R5 from Plaça Espanya), car, or guided tour. If taking the train, you’ll need to choose between the rack railway (Cremallera) or cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) to reach the monastery.
The best time to visit is early in the morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 3pm) to avoid crowds. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing and hiking.
A half-day trip (4–5 hours) is enough for the monastery, Black Madonna, and short hikes. A full-day trip (7–9 hours) allows time for museum visits, longer hikes, and adventure activities like rock climbing or horseback riding.
No, the Escolania Boys’ Choir performs Monday to Friday at 1pm and Sundays at 12pm. They do not perform on Saturdays or school holidays.
Yes! Montserrat offers hikes of varying difficulty, from the Santa Cova trail (45 minutes round trip) to the Sant Jeroni peak (3-hour round trip) with panoramic views.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring. If visiting the monastery, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended. Layers are advised due to changing mountain weather.
Comfortable clothing is the way to go here. Having said that, no trip to Montserrat is complete without a visit to the monastery. There is a dress code in place- Shirts or blouses should cover your shoulders. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable as long as the neckline isn’t too deep. Shorts and skirts should at least reach mid-thigh. Avoid ripped jeans or anything too revealing (showing too much skin).
Yes, most areas of Montserrat, including the monastery, Black Madonna, and museum, are wheelchair accessible. However, some hiking trails and funiculars may be challenging.
Yes! Montserrat is family-friendly, with funicular rides, short hikes, and open spaces for kids to explore. The Montserrat Rack Railway is a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the monastery.
-02.jpg?auto=format&w=360&h=480.59999999999997&q=90&crop=faces&fit=crop)
