Visit Montserrat | Getting There & Best Time to Visit

Montserrat Monastery | Visitor information at a glance

Where is Montserrat Monastery located?

Montserrat Monastery, officially known as Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, is located in Monistrol de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of Barcelona. Get directions.

How many number visitors does Montserrat Monastery see per year?

The monastery attracts around 2.7 million visitors annually, making it a significant pilgrimage site and tourist destination in the region

About Montserrat Monastery

What's the best time to visit Montserrat Monastery?

The best time to visit Montserrat Monastery is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful natural scenery, making them ideal for exploration and hiking.

While Montserrat is accessible year-round, winter (January to February) is particularly good for hiking due to cooler temperatures, although it can get quite cold at night. Summer (June to August) tends to be hot and crowded, which may detract from the experience

Detailed Montserrat monastery timings

Book tickets to Montserrat

Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna Access & Audio Guide

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

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Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna Access, Audio Guide & Train Tickets from Barcelona

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers included

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From Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip with Black Madonna

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Mobile ticket

4 hr. 30 min.

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From Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip with Black Madonna, Tasting Experience & Lunch

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6 hr. - 8 hr.

Guided tour

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Where is Montserrat Monastery located?

Address: Montserrat Monastery, also known as Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, is located at 08199 Monestir de Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain.

Find On Map

Nearest stations:

Aeri de Montserrat: This station serves the cable car that takes visitors up to the monastery.
Monistrol de Montserrat: This station connects to the rack railway (Cremallera) that also leads to the monastery.

Directions to Montserrat

Getting to Montserrat Monastery

By public transportation

By Train: From Plaça Espanya, take the R5 line and get off at Aeri de Montserrat or get off one stop later, in Monistrol de Montserrat.

By Bus: Take the B23 bus from Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat or board a bus operated by Julia bus company leaving from Sants train station.

By Car

Driving to Montserrat from Barcelona takes less than an hour, with straightforward routes that are marked clearly, offering a convenient and stunning journey.

Parking Facilities

Parking near Montserrat Monastery can be costly, and there are only a limited number of spots. Get there early to park near the monastery, as the first spots are only a 10-15 minute walk away, while getting there late means facing a 20-30 minute uphill walk.

Know before you go to Montserrat Monastery

Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are located throughout the monastery complex.
Museum: The Museum of Montserrat features a diverse collection of art and artifacts, including works by famous artists like Picasso and Dalí.
Tourist Information Office: The office offers assistance with planning your visit and provides maps and guides.
Gift Shops: Visitors can purchase souvenirs, religious items, and local products such as Montserrat honey and herbal liqueurs.
Parking: Parking spaces are available for those arriving by car.

Tips to visit Montserrat

La Botiga: La Botiga is the main souvenir store located within the monastery complex. It offers a wide range of items including medals, rosaries, and religious artifacts tied to Montserrat's spiritual heritage. The shop also stocks locally produced goods like honey and herbal liqueurs.
Museum Store at Museu de Montserrat: The Museum Store has art books, exhibition catalogs, and unique items inspired by Montserrat's cultural heritage, perfect for those seeking thoughtful and educational souvenirs.
Daily Market at Montserrat: Vendors from nearby villages sell traditional products like honey, curds, cheese, and fig loaf.
Oriole Gift Shop - Montserrat National Trust: Located in the botanical gardens of Montserrat National Trust, the Oriole Gift Shop specializes in locally made crafts such as pottery, shirts, hats, toys, and more.
Sanctuary Arts and Crafts: This shop offers a variety of locally made arts and crafts. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind items while supporting local artisans.

Restaurant Abat Cisneros (Timings: 8–10am, 1–3:30 pm,, 7:45–9:30 pm)
A historic restaurant serving traditional Catalan dishes in a beautiful setting. Find on Map.
Bar de la Plaça (Timings: 8am–10:30pm)
A famous bar-cafe in the heart of Montserrat, the cafe is known for its sandwiches, hamburgers, and alcoholic beverages. Find on Map.
La Cafeteria (Timings: 10am–4:30pm)
The cafe has two entire floors with a large open-plan eating area. The cafe serves fast food, desserts, and drinks. Find on Map.

Tip: Don’t miss trying Montserrat's famous mató (a type of fresh cheese) paired with honey.

Montserrat is an excellent destination for families

Child-Friendly Trails: Shorter hikes like the Santa Cova Trail are manageable for children and offer engaging sights such as the chapel inside the cave.
Funicular Rides: The Montserrat Rack Railway and funiculars provide a fun ride with scenic views.
Interactive Museum Exhibits: Families can visit the Interactive Audiovisual Room, which explains the monastery's history in an engaging way.
Outdoor Exploration: Kids can enjoy the open spaces around the monastery for play and exploration.

Montserrat Monastery is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.
The rack railway and Aeri de Montserrat cable car provide step-free access to the site.
Within the monastery, ramps and elevators allow wheelchair users to explore key areas, including the basilica and museum.
The funiculars leading to scenic viewpoints have limited accessibility, so it's best to check before planning.
Accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces are available.

Visitor tips for Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat gets crowded, especially on weekends. Visit between 7:30am and 10am to enjoy a peaceful experience.
The Basilica and Black Madonna shrine are active religious sites, respect its religious nature by covering shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing
The buffet, restaurant, and cafeteria have varied menus, but bringing snacks is a good idea for hikes.
Montserrat is at a high altitude, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella just in case.
The Sant Joan and Santa Cova funiculars take you to stunning viewpoints and hiking trails.
Visit nearby Santa Cova Chapel or take a hike to Sant Jeroni for breathtaking panoramas.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Montserrat Monastery

What is the best time to visit Montserrat?

The best time to visit Montserrat is from May to September to enjoy outdoor activities and a lively atmosphere. You can also opt to visit during November to March for a quieter experience and better deals on hotels and tickets.

Where is Montserrat located?

The Louvre Museum is located at 08691, Barcelona, Spain, 60 km northwest of Barcelona.

What is the best way to get to Montserrat?

The best way to reach Montserrat is by taking the train or bus from Barcelona.

Is Montserrat Monastery wheelchair accessible?

Montserrat Monastery has made efforts to enhance accessibility, but the mountainous terrain poses challenges for full wheelchair accessibility. The main square, basilica, and some areas are accessible, but certain parts, like the museum and the upper stations of the funicular, may be difficult to navigate.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Montserrat Monastery?

Yes, Montserrat Monastery does have a dress code to respect its religious and sacred nature. For both men and women, shoulders should be covered. Avoid tank tops, strapless tops, or halter tops. Knees should be covered and avoid shorts, short skirts, or dresses that fall above the knee. Swimwear is not permitted and hats should be removed upon entering the basilica.

How do I book tickets to visit Montserrat?

Tickets for Montserrat can be purchased online in advance to avoid potential crowds and selling out.