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- Montserrat Monastery
- History
- Barcelona to Montserrat tours
- Black Madonna
- Museum of Montserrat
- Day trips from Barcelona
- Dining
- Things to do
- Sagrada Familia
- Park Güell
- Barcelona Flamenco Show Tickets
- Camp Nou Tours
- Casa Batllo
- Casa Mila
- Portaventura World
- Gaudi Tours Barcelona
- Hola Barcelona Travel Card
- Wax Museum Barcelona
- Palau De La Musica Catalana
- Erotic Museum of Barcelona
- Barcelona Zoo
- KBr Photography Center Mapfre Foundation
- Big Fun Museum
- Barcelona Aquarium
- Montjuic Cable Car
- Moco Museum Barcelona
Montserrat Monastery tickets
Design your own perfect itinerary with this bundle of tickets, audio guides, & maps.
- Visit the historic abbey of Montserrat and behold the stunning statue of Black Madonna with timed entry. The rest of your visit is yours to plan!
- Uncover how the monks of the monastery defied Franco's rule and other fascinating stories with an insightful multilingual audio guide.
- Take in scenic views, tour the basilica’s golden halls, and explore Montserrat with a map and brochure pointing to its highlights—all at your own pace!
- Access the museum and audio-visual exhibit for vivid glimpses of the Monastery's evolution and the changing symbolism of the Virgin Mary over time.
- Choose to upgrade: forget commute hassles with easy train transfers and a scenic rack railway ride, or listen to Europe’s oldest boys' choir!
Design your own perfect itinerary with this bundle of tickets, audio guides, & maps.
- Visit the historic abbey of Montserrat and behold the stunning statue of Black Madonna with timed entry. The rest of your visit is yours to plan!
- Uncover how the monks of the monastery defied Franco's rule and other fascinating stories with an insightful multilingual audio guide.
- Take in scenic views, tour the basilica’s golden halls, and explore Montserrat with a map and brochure pointing to its highlights—all at your own pace!
- Access the museum and audio-visual exhibit for vivid glimpses of the Monastery's evolution and the changing symbolism of the Virgin Mary over time.
- Choose to upgrade: forget commute hassles with easy train transfers and a scenic rack railway ride, or listen to Europe’s oldest boys' choir!
Inclusions
- Timed entry to Black Madonna
- Entry to the Museum of Montserrat
- Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
- Audio guide for the basilica and Black Madonna in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Russian, and Japanese
- Map & informative booklet
- Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir performance (as per option selected)
- Train transfers from Barcelona (as per option selected)
- Rack railway ride in Montserrat (as per option selected)
- Tip: On a bright and pleasant day, plan a picnic on top of the mountain as you soak in the spiritual vibes of Montserrat.
- During booking, the time slot you select is for your timed entrance to visit Black Madonna. All other parts of your visit can be done at your own pace.
- When planning your visit from Barcelona, factor in at least 70 minutes for the commute and 20 minutes for the uphill walk to the Black Madonna.
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to guests with disabilities but wheelchair users won’t be able to get right up to the Black Madonna.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Mass at the Basilica takes place Monday to Saturday at 11am and 9.30am on all holidays including Sundays.
- The Escolania de Montserrat boys sing at the basilica daily between Monday to Friday at 1pm and during Sunday Mass at 11am.
- Choir performance times may vary in accordance with special religious celebrations and the school calendar.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
491 ratings
261
132
37
24
37
What our guests say
Waybon
Nov 2024Verified booking
Montserrat was very moving from a spiritual and natural beauty perspective. Having all my arrangements in advance made it seamless.
Lysette
Nov 2024Verified booking
Was very beautiful. Too much for 1 day. However, train to the cave was closed Also audio did not really work fine. Unclear when to play what.
View original review in Dutch
Jhoo
Nov 2024Verified booking
It was awesome! If you visit Montserrrat, I do rercommend you to stay overnight there. Montserrat's night offers you entire different experience!
Deborah
Nov 2024Verified booking
It was great that everything was included. However, the "audio guide" was the app! No one told us that until we got there, so we were not able to do that part as wi-fi & cell signal was weak so we couldn't download it. So if you go, download the app & bring headsets!!! Other than than it was an amazing day trip that was totally worth it. We were warned because of the weather to go another day but it was our last day so we braved the rain, which eventually stopped & we had a little bit of sunshine! :).
Christine
Nov 2024Verified booking
There is so much more to do at Montserat than I thought. We were there from 9-5, and still could have stayed longer. Exchanging the vouchers for tickets was quite painless. We wanted to leave Barcelona early, so had to get the train ticket the day before, as the office only opens at 8am. We enjoyed the freedom of having an audio guide rather than traipsing after someone.
Anne
Oct 2024Verified booking
Easy to get all info, audio guide, etc. We were able to enter the Basilica about 30 min. ahead of our scheduled time for the Madonna. It was all wonderful and we're so glad we went!
ANITA
Oct 2024Verified booking
The arrangement of including the train and audio guide was a great help. The whole trip was interesting and informative.
JORGE
Oct 2024Verified booking
Everything was as offered And our speculation was fully met. It is a place of extraordinary beauty. It's a pity that one day is too little for so much to see
View original review in Portuguese
William
Oct 2024Verified booking
Having everything in one package was great. Reason a 4 rather than a 5 is instructions could have been better regarding the transfers between train to Monserrat and Monastery and which tickets are used for what activity.
Solomiya
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything went smoothly. It’s very convenient to have all your tickets purchased online and be able to easily transfer between trains. Finding the booth to retrieve our tickets was straightforward. Montserrat is a truly beautiful place to visit, and I highly recommend setting aside an entire day for this trip. There are numerous hiking paths to explore, offering stunning views of the area. You’ll also find a few nice spots to enjoy a coffee or lunch. We definitely plan to come back to experience more of what this amazing area has to offer.
MICHEL
Sep 2024Verified booking
The visit was superb. Monserrat really is a magical place. The advantage of the e-ticket booked with Headout is that you don't have to queue to see the black virgin. Well done
View original review in French
Louise
Sep 2024Verified booking
To have all the tickets required to experience the Montserrat monastery: train tickets, cog railway tickets, museum tickets, audiovisual tickets, audio guide. Once we were there, we were able to enjoy it to the full. Thank you so much!
View original review in French
Josefina
Aug 2024Verified booking
The explanations to get the train and museum tickets were very clear, the audio guide was very useful to learn more about Montserrat and its history and with the ticket we were given a medal of the Virgin of Montserrat and a bag of cookies. It is worth buying this experience!
View original review in Spanish
Dr.
Jul 2024Verified booking
Beautiful monastry, superb landscape, excellent spiritual experience. Very informative and lengthy audio guide after initial issue with meeting time to start the experience. The tourist office only opens at 9 for picking up the audio guude, while the tour was scheduled for 8:30 and ticket said that you must not be late. Given phone numbers were easily reached and support was friendly, though the situation looked unfamiliar to them.
Kathleen
Jul 2024Verified booking
The cathedral and Black Madonna were beautiful. Our trip to Monsarat was outstanding. Enjoyed the scenery, the museum, the church and the AV show.
Shauna
Jul 2024Verified booking
I was pleased to be able to visit the Monastey, book a visit ticket with Headout, without a full tour experience, just the audio. But I was not told WHERE to get the self-guided audio. Thank goodness a Monserat security woman helped me out! Beautiful place.
Jennifer
Jun 2024Verified booking
Absolutely amazing. We were able to spend hours wandering before our Black Madonna time slot. Well worth the money and visit!
Jennifer
Jun 2024Verified booking
Valeria (Valerie was freaking amazing!!!) The food was fantastic and was such a tribute to Barcelona. Valerie was so informed and taught our whole family so much of the history of Spain and Barcelona itself. I hope Valerie stays with you for a very long time!!! Love, The Morrison's from Ohio
Kristina
Jun 2024Verified booking
Because we bought a late visit, we didn't get to visit any of the museums and everything gat closed at 6 pm. It could have been mentioned somehow He recomendaction of how long the trip to Monserat would really take. It was written 1,5 hours before the reserved time to get onto the train. But... we kad to wait 48 min. inbetween the trains. There were no working hours of museums mentioned. Some did visit the place, but would have been nice to explore whole atmosphere. A lot of places were already closed after the church and Black Madonna's visit.
Barbara
Jun 2024Verified booking
Everything was quick and easy to find and redeem, Montserrat is beautiful and worth spending a few hours in What I didn't like was having to give them my Credit card details for the audiobook deposit
Armelle
Jun 2024Verified booking
The day was extremely well organized: train, rack railway, audio tour, visit to the Black Madonna. Everything was synchronized and there was no waiting. Thank you so much!
View original review in French
Blinda
May 2024Verified booking
Loved the links to the train station and where to go once we got there!!! First time traveller to Barcelona and this made it so easy!!!!
Sonia
May 2024Verified booking
I purchased all-inclusive tickets online. Monserrat is spectacular. The view is amazing. The walking is not for the faint of heart as the climbing of stairs is steep; however, the beauty of it is worth it and it is equipped for wheelchairs. I highly recommend visiting. It's best to redeem tickets at the subtrain station downtown near the bull-fighting ring. It's a little tricky getting there but you'll need to catch R5 subtrain all the way to Massarat. Once there, you'll catch a different rail train that takes you up the mountain. These two trains are near each other.
Lee
May 2024Verified booking
Best to visit in the early morning to beat the crowd. Tourist centre only opens at 9 am so even if you book the earlier slots for visiting the basilica and black Madonna, you have to wait to collect the audio guide later. Overall smooth experience.
AUBERT
Apr 2024Verified booking
Magnificent view ... and beautiful site with the bonus of good weather. 😍😍😍😍
View original review in French
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERTrain
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station
Ticket redemption takes place at the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya ticket office at Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station.
57 km
60 minutes
1
Montserrat Monastery
2 attractions
2 activities
Tickets included
Hop on a train from Barcelona and let the journey begin! You'll soon be soaring up the mountain on a thrilling rack railway ride, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Once at the summit, explore the majestic Gothic basilica and gain exclusive access to the revered Black Madonna. Unravel the mysteries of Montserrat's history with an immersive audio guide and marvel at priceless art by Dali and Picasso at the museum.
Highlights
1. Rack railway ride
Included in price
Enjoy breathtaking views as you ascend to the stunning Montserrat mountain range. Hop aboard the Cremallera, a rack railway. This unique train ride offers a smooth and enjoyable journey, winding through rugged cliffs as it climbs toward the historic monastery. The Cremallera allows you to fully enjoy the natural splendor and serenity of Montserrat from the very start of your visit.
2. Basilica of Montserrat
Tickets included
Step into the hallowed halls of the Basilica of Montserrat and come face-to-face with the iconic Black Madonna, a revered religious relic. With timed entry, you'll have exclusive access to this centuries-old Romanesque sculpture. Don't miss the chance to attend a captivating Mass, held daily at 11am and at 9:30am on Sundays and holidays.
3. Museum of Montserrat
Tickets included
Discover a world-class museum recognized as a national treasure since 2006. See artworks by iconic artists like Monet, Dali, and Picasso. Learn about its history with significant archaeological collections from ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt.
4. Montserrat audiovisual exhibition
Included in price
Explore the historic Holy Grotto, linked to the Virgin Mary. Delve into the rich history of Montserrat through the "Montserrat Portes Endins" audiovisual exhibition. See art and ancient artifacts at the open-air Museum of Montserrat.
2
END POINT
Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station
Travel stress-free with hourly trains and convenient roundtrip access!
- In Barcelona? Hop on a train to Montserrat, ride the iconic rack railway uphill, then explore like a pro with a handy map and booklet!
- Climb up to the gothic basilica with gold accent domes and get exclusive access to Black Madonna with timed access.
- Tune into an audio commentary on the history of the monastery and the symbolism of the Virgin's orb in the language most comfortable to you.
- Stop by the museum to look at rare artworks by the likes of Dali and Picasso, then unlock the life of a monk through state-of-the-art audio-visuals.
- With a simple upgrade, be part of historic Basilica ceremonies and community prayers, serenaded by the angelic voices of Escolanía de Montserrat.
Travel stress-free with hourly trains and convenient roundtrip access!
- In Barcelona? Hop on a train to Montserrat, ride the iconic rack railway uphill, then explore like a pro with a handy map and booklet!
- Climb up to the gothic basilica with gold accent domes and get exclusive access to Black Madonna with timed access.
- Tune into an audio commentary on the history of the monastery and the symbolism of the Virgin's orb in the language most comfortable to you.
- Stop by the museum to look at rare artworks by the likes of Dali and Picasso, then unlock the life of a monk through state-of-the-art audio-visuals.
- With a simple upgrade, be part of historic Basilica ceremonies and community prayers, serenaded by the angelic voices of Escolanía de Montserrat.
Inclusions
- Train transfers from Barcelona
- Timed entry to Black Madonna
- Entry to the Museum of Montserrat
- Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
- Rack railway ride
- Audio guide for the monastery and Black Madonna in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Russian, and Japanese
- Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir performance (optional)
- Map & informative booklet
- Tip: Participate in a time-honored tradition of praying by lighting a candle along the Ave Maria Path, the corridor leading up to the Black Madonna.
- During booking, the time slot you select is for your timed entrance to visit Black Madonna. All other parts of your visit can be done at your own pace.
- When planning your visit from Barcelona, factor in at least 70 minutes for the commute and 20 minutes for the uphill walk to the Black Madonna.
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to guests with disabilities but wheelchair users won’t be able to get right up to the Black Madonna.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Mass at the Basilica takes place Monday to Saturday at 11am and 9.30am on all holidays including Sundays.
- The Escolania de Montserrat boys sing at the basilica daily between Monday to Friday at 1pm and during Sunday Mass at 11am.
- Choir performance times may vary in accordance with special religious celebrations and the school calendar.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.2
284 ratings
158
74
18
10
24
What our guests say
Lysette
Nov 2024Verified booking
Was very beautiful. Too much for 1 day. However, train to the cave was closed Also audio did not really work fine. Unclear when to play what.
View original review in Dutch
Deborah
Nov 2024Verified booking
It was great that everything was included. However, the "audio guide" was the app! No one told us that until we got there, so we were not able to do that part as wi-fi & cell signal was weak so we couldn't download it. So if you go, download the app & bring headsets!!! Other than than it was an amazing day trip that was totally worth it. We were warned because of the weather to go another day but it was our last day so we braved the rain, which eventually stopped & we had a little bit of sunshine! :).
Christine
Nov 2024Verified booking
There is so much more to do at Montserat than I thought. We were there from 9-5, and still could have stayed longer. Exchanging the vouchers for tickets was quite painless. We wanted to leave Barcelona early, so had to get the train ticket the day before, as the office only opens at 8am. We enjoyed the freedom of having an audio guide rather than traipsing after someone.
ANITA
Oct 2024Verified booking
The arrangement of including the train and audio guide was a great help. The whole trip was interesting and informative.
JORGE
Oct 2024Verified booking
Everything was as offered And our speculation was fully met. It is a place of extraordinary beauty. It's a pity that one day is too little for so much to see
View original review in Portuguese
William
Oct 2024Verified booking
Having everything in one package was great. Reason a 4 rather than a 5 is instructions could have been better regarding the transfers between train to Monserrat and Monastery and which tickets are used for what activity.
Solomiya
Sep 2024Verified booking
Everything went smoothly. It’s very convenient to have all your tickets purchased online and be able to easily transfer between trains. Finding the booth to retrieve our tickets was straightforward. Montserrat is a truly beautiful place to visit, and I highly recommend setting aside an entire day for this trip. There are numerous hiking paths to explore, offering stunning views of the area. You’ll also find a few nice spots to enjoy a coffee or lunch. We definitely plan to come back to experience more of what this amazing area has to offer.
Elana
Sep 2024Verified booking
The overall place was great. Instructioons on which stop to get off. Where not great and when we got there it was hit difficult to navigate. Otherwise it was great. By telling clients to leave enough time to get there. You are 100 percent correct. And I appreciated that. It was also a holiday and found out the last minute. Over all was good
Louise
Sep 2024Verified booking
To have all the tickets required to experience the Montserrat monastery: train tickets, cog railway tickets, museum tickets, audiovisual tickets, audio guide. Once we were there, we were able to enjoy it to the full. Thank you so much!
View original review in French
Bonnie
Sep 2024Verified booking
Getting away from the Barcelona crowds and experiencing this stunning place was exactly what was needed, Please let your customers know that they have to get their audio guides at the Ti station! We almost missed our 1:00 slot as we didn't understand this important "must do."
Lucien
Sep 2024Verified booking
All the reservations through the purchased tickets (train tickets, cable car, site visits and return trip) were correct like clockwork. The itinerary and accompanying explanations and information were also complete and thus very helpful. The only issue that worried us was the weeks of waiting for the tickets. Although we booked quite early and immediately received the booking confirmation with booking number but for the ticktes we ended up having to contact you ourselves via chat a week before our departure because the tickets were delayed. The person at the chat immediately helped us well to download the tickets. In conclusion, organizationally everything was correct which left us with a very good feeling about our visit to Montserrat.
View original review in Dutch
Josefina
Aug 2024Verified booking
The explanations to get the train and museum tickets were very clear, the audio guide was very useful to learn more about Montserrat and its history and with the ticket we were given a medal of the Virgin of Montserrat and a bag of cookies. It is worth buying this experience!
View original review in Spanish
Jennifer
Jun 2024Verified booking
Absolutely amazing. We were able to spend hours wandering before our Black Madonna time slot. Well worth the money and visit!
Kristina
Jun 2024Verified booking
Because we bought a late visit, we didn't get to visit any of the museums and everything gat closed at 6 pm. It could have been mentioned somehow He recomendaction of how long the trip to Monserat would really take. It was written 1,5 hours before the reserved time to get onto the train. But... we kad to wait 48 min. inbetween the trains. There were no working hours of museums mentioned. Some did visit the place, but would have been nice to explore whole atmosphere. A lot of places were already closed after the church and Black Madonna's visit.
Barbara
Jun 2024Verified booking
Everything was quick and easy to find and redeem, Montserrat is beautiful and worth spending a few hours in What I didn't like was having to give them my Credit card details for the audiobook deposit
Armelle
Jun 2024Verified booking
The day was extremely well organized: train, rack railway, audio tour, visit to the Black Madonna. Everything was synchronized and there was no waiting. Thank you so much!
View original review in French
Blinda
May 2024Verified booking
Loved the links to the train station and where to go once we got there!!! First time traveller to Barcelona and this made it so easy!!!!
Sonia
May 2024Verified booking
I purchased all-inclusive tickets online. Monserrat is spectacular. The view is amazing. The walking is not for the faint of heart as the climbing of stairs is steep; however, the beauty of it is worth it and it is equipped for wheelchairs. I highly recommend visiting. It's best to redeem tickets at the subtrain station downtown near the bull-fighting ring. It's a little tricky getting there but you'll need to catch R5 subtrain all the way to Massarat. Once there, you'll catch a different rail train that takes you up the mountain. These two trains are near each other.
Cindy
Apr 2024Verified booking
Montserrat is an absolute must if you travel to Barcelona. The experience was surreal. A lot of walking and inclines, so be prepared. Folks with limited mobility might have difficulties walking around. Tickets are easy to purchase with headout and process was easy to follow. 10/10 would highly recommend.
Steven
Apr 2024Verified booking
The scenery and the monetary were beautiful. We were also pleasantly surprised by the art museum as well. It was a lot more extensive than we were expecting. Great hiking to be had as well and some incredible panoramic views. A couple tips though: if you buy the ticket and train ride from Barcelona combo pass, make sure not to schedule the morning pass. The train from Barcelona doesn't even leave until around 0800 and takes a little over an hour to get there. Though if you miss your time slot - you can still get in. You even go to the front of the line. It can just be a little confusing figuring all that out. Also, although this combo pass is great - the passes that were emailed didn't come with instructions on how to actually use it. Turns out that the one QR code is for both the train and the monetary. I did contact support and they d it s send the actual tickets to my email which cleared this up a bit.
Cherie
Apr 2024Verified booking
All this time we thought it wasn't possible to do a DIY tour for Montserrat that we had to book a bus going there. Thanks to headout for making the DIY experience possible and convenient. Just a reco on the instructions to claim your train tickets in the Place de España ticket booth.
Lisa
Apr 2024Verified booking
The direction was not clear on the ticket and the agent from headout was also reading what I am reading and can not give me extra detail. It's frustating. It was not a pleasant experience , we missed our train going there because of the unclear direction from headout and have to wait extra 1 hour and going back the train broke down so we have to wait an extra 2 hours.
Javier
Feb 2024Verified booking
The journey to the Monastery is very nice with spectacular views. The natural environment that surrounds the Monastery is unmatched and the Church with its decorated altars, walls and ceilings is just amazing...a very entertaining day!
View original review in Spanish
Tanya
Jan 2024Verified booking
The overall impression was amazing and all activities included in my ticket were perfectly done. The most georgeous was umique opportunity to touch Black Madona and to attend the service
Sonia
Dec 2024Verified booking
Well organised & wonderful place
Montserrat Monastery with Train Transfers from Barcelona
Breathtaking views, peaceful monastery, smooth train transfers from Barcelona. We've got your perfect day trip all planned out - just bring your sense of wonder!
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Julia Travel Barcelona at Planta baja delante
Get Ready to Explore! Meet your friendly guide at Julià Travel Barcelona (Carrer d'Alí-Bei, 80 Local nº 180 - Planta baja Delante del andén 19 / In front of the Platform 19, 08013 Barcelona, Spain)
59 km
64 minutes
1
Montserrat Monastery
2 attractions
2 activities
Tickets included
Dating back to the 11th century, Montserrat Monastery perches atop distinctive rock formations, attracting visitors to its revered Black Madonna statue. With a millennium of history, the monastery showcases artistic treasures by El Greco and Caravaggio, while the Escolania de Montserrat, Europe's oldest boys' choir, captivates audiences with centuries-old melodies.
Highlights
1. Ride the Rack Railway
Included in price
Get ready for a unique experience riding the rack railway uphill. You'll soak in the beauty of jagged peaks as you reach a height of over 4,000 feet.
2. Basilica of Montserrat
Tickets included
Listen to fascinating stories of miraculous apparitions as you admire the famous Black Madonna, a 12th-century Romanesque carving. Your timed entry ticket ensures a seamless visit to the Basilica of Montserrat.
3. Museum of Montserrat
Tickets included
Enjoy free time to explore the museum which is a treasure trove of Montserrat's art and history. Enjoy masterpieces by famous artists like Monet, Dali, and Picasso and explore ancient artifacts from civilizations like Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. You can also enjoy locally produced liquors, crafted by the monks themselves!
4. Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
Included in price
Discover the magic of Montserrat in this open-air museum! Explore the legendary Holy Grotto, linked to the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary. Then, step into the world of "Montserrat Portes Endins," an audiovisual journey that reveals the secrets of the monastery and its surroundings.
2
END POINT
Julia Travel Barcelona at Planta baja delante
Say goodbye to planning stress with this thoughtfully organized tour!
- Board a comfy AC coach in Barcelona to explore the massive complex of Montserrat Monastery with a knowledgeable guide leading your way.
- Listen to your guide spill stories of miraculous apparitions as you marvel at the famous carvings of the Black Madonna with timed entry tickets.
- Get ready for a unique experience riding the rack railway uphill, soak in the beauty of jagged peaks, and taste local liquor.
- Unravel Montserrat's thousand-year history with immersive audiovisuals, ancient monastic artifacts, and a moving Escolania choir finale.
- Tailor your tour: beat the crowds with a morning tour or catch the sunset with an afternoon tour. Choose from English and Spanish-speaking guides.
Say goodbye to planning stress with this thoughtfully organized tour!
- Board a comfy AC coach in Barcelona to explore the massive complex of Montserrat Monastery with a knowledgeable guide leading your way.
- Listen to your guide spill stories of miraculous apparitions as you marvel at the famous carvings of the Black Madonna with timed entry tickets.
- Get ready for a unique experience riding the rack railway uphill, soak in the beauty of jagged peaks, and taste local liquor.
- Unravel Montserrat's thousand-year history with immersive audiovisuals, ancient monastic artifacts, and a moving Escolania choir finale.
- Tailor your tour: beat the crowds with a morning tour or catch the sunset with an afternoon tour. Choose from English and Spanish-speaking guides.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery
- AC coach transfers from Barcelona
- Expert English and Spanish-speaking monolingual/bilingual guide (as per option selected)
- Timed entry to Black Madonna
- Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
- Rack railway ride
- Local liquor tasting
- Radio guide system
- Tip: Treat yourself to Mató, a type of fresh cheese that is used to make a traditional dessert, meil i mató, which is made of cheese and honey.
- During booking, the time slot you select is for your timed entrance to visit Black Madonna. All other parts of your visit can be done at your own pace.
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to guests with disabilities but wheelchair users won’t be able to get right up to the Black Madonna.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Be ready for a brisk walk up to the Black Madonna.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
1.2K ratings
892
195
39
16
76
What our guests say
Timothy
Nov 2024Verified booking
Billed as half day and it just squeezed into that at 4.5 hours but it felt a little rushed. But guide Sandra was excellent, funny and good English. Why the Monastery cannot implement a better queueing system is a mystery as they plenty of experience, but that's not the tour company fault.
Fagurel
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide, Gloria, was amazing during this experience. The stories she told us were relevant and captured the true essence of the place! Thank you!
Carissa
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tour was very smooth with our guide Julia. She was very fun, had great suggestions for our group and even got us into the monastery early for our visit.
LEROY
Sep 2024Verified booking
The organization was impeccable. The guide, Gloria, helped us with her comments and, above all, she made sure to give us information to reassure us at every stage of the visit: meeting point, timetable, tourist information and all with a sense of humour. At the start, everything we saw was just as perfect: a smiling welcome, precise information.
View original review in French
Kusenszki
Aug 2024Verified booking
The best experience with a guide! and above all Glorya cares and makes every trip a pleasant pastime😍 I recommend it 100%.
View original review in Spanish
M.
Jul 2024Verified booking
Super arranged. Pick-up location was easy to find. Good guide. Knew a lot. Told nice story. Montserrat itself is impressive. Located in a beautiful location. Especially take the little train to the top. Views are spectacular.
View original review in Dutch
Lachlan
Jul 2024Verified booking
The tour guide was great. However, we learned when we reached the monastery that we needed red tickets to do the liquor tasting, which we weren't given. It was one of the things we were most looking forward to
Dana
Jun 2024Verified booking
Everything went smoothly. I booked it the night before. It was self explanatory on where to meet and what time. Bus ride was smooth. Train ride was neat. Tour was good. Our tour operator was informative and easy to talk to. All in all a good trip.
Whitney
Mar 2024Verified booking
Our guide was wonderful. Bus ride was comfortable. It was unfortunate the headphones weren't working as it did make it hard to hear the guide at times. I wish we had just a little bit longer there so they was ample time to take the car up to the cave. We were worried about missing the bus so we didn't go up.
LIsa
Mar 2024Verified booking
Freedom to explore on my own. Enjoyed the tour guide who did a solid job of introducing this beatiful place to his guests.
AUDREY
Feb 2024Verified booking
Loved the trip to Montserrat! The Monastery is really worth visiting. For the young and fit who could still hike, tours with the hiking component would be advisable (or if you prefer to do it by yourself, you can as well, with much care of course given the steep points and winds that could get strong) - the views are amazing and it is a one-of-a-kind of experience that you won't get from just about anywhere. Our guide, Sarah, was very nice and accommodating as well.
Luis
Nov 2024Verified booking
Fantastic time would definitely recommend, all went smoothly and guide was amazing!
Zdenka
Oct 2024Verified booking
We loved Sandra ❤️. So much fun !
Lyndon
Sep 2024Verified booking
Convenient and the guide is clearly helpful
Gintarė
Aug 2024Verified booking
The best guide - Maria. Everything was smoothly planned and explained. Easy to buy tickets.
Masakimi
Aug 2024Verified booking
Everything went very smoothly and Carlos was the best!
Jeremy
Jul 2024Verified booking
Sasha our guide was awesome! Could have spent a full day exploring and wish that was an option for us that day!
Juri
Jul 2024Verified booking
Too much waiting and too much time in the bus, the amount of information provided by gude was very poor and primitive
Jennifer
Jun 2024Verified booking
Montserrat was beautiful and definitely worth seeing.
Francisco
May 2024Verified booking
Very clear instructions. Montserrat is an amazing day trip from Barcelona.
David
Feb 2024Verified booking
Excellent Guides! Loved the view and the monastery..
Mireya
Dec 2024Verified booking
Emely
Dec 2024Verified booking
Chia
Dec 2024Verified booking
Estela
Dec 2024Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Starting point details will be shared along with your tickets
66 km
64 minutes
1
Montserrat Monastery
420 min
3 activities
Free Admission
Dating back to the 11th century, Montserrat Monastery perches atop distinctive rock formations, attracting visitors to its revered Black Madonna statue. With a millennium of history, the monastery showcases artistic treasures by El Greco and Caravaggio, while the Escolania de Montserrat, Europe's oldest boys' choir, captivates audiences with centuries-old melodies.
Highlights
1. Rack-railway ride
Included in price
The rack-railway is one of the highest in Europe, ascending over 1,000 meters. The ride not only provides stunning panoramic views of the mountains but also gives you a taste of local history, as it has been in operation since the early 20th century.
For the best experience, sit on the left side of the train to catch the most stunning views of the Montserrat peaks.
2. Vineyard visit
Included in price
Discover a charming boutique winery set within a 10th-century castle, proudly maintained by the same family for 36 generations. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in local Catalan and Spanish traditions, starting with a guided tour of the estate, where history and picturesque vineyards intertwine.
3. Authentic Catalan lunch
Lunch
Select the lunch option that suits you best: a spread of traditional tapas or a 3-course meal made with fresh regional ingredients. Pair it with local wines for a true Catalan experience.
4. Wine tasting
Included in price
Sip on 3 distinct wines, locally produced from indigenous grape varieties unique to the region as you learn about the origin and characteristics of valley wines.
2
END POINT
History, nature, spirituality, gastronomy, and wines—this Montserrat tour blends it all!
- Set off on a gastronomic adventure amid the historic abbey of Montserrat, complete with AC transfers, lunch, a guide, and a planned itinerary!
- Experience culinary heritage: tour a family-run vineyard, sip valley wines, and taste local liquors with sweet bread.
- Delve into gold-accented details of the Basilica and learn all about the invasion of Napoleon as your guide shares their extensive knowledge.
- Feel the mystical energy of the land while enjoying sweeping views of rugged peaks and green valleys on a cogwheel train ride.
- Indulge in a meal that suits your taste, select a traditional tapas spread or a 3-course meal made with seasonal native ingredients.
History, nature, spirituality, gastronomy, and wines—this Montserrat tour blends it all!
- Set off on a gastronomic adventure amid the historic abbey of Montserrat, complete with AC transfers, lunch, a guide, and a planned itinerary!
- Experience culinary heritage: tour a family-run vineyard, sip valley wines, and taste local liquors with sweet bread.
- Delve into gold-accented details of the Basilica and learn all about the invasion of Napoleon as your guide shares their extensive knowledge.
- Feel the mystical energy of the land while enjoying sweeping views of rugged peaks and green valleys on a cogwheel train ride.
- Indulge in a meal that suits your taste, select a traditional tapas spread or a 3-course meal made with seasonal native ingredients.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery & vineyard
- AC coach transfers from Barcelona
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Cable-car/rack railway ride
- Wine tasting
- 3-course lunch with wine (as per option selected)
- Wine & tapas brunch (as per option selected)
- Tip: Swing by the gift shop for a range of religious souvenirs and crafts. Don’t forget to taste cookies baked by nuns at the bakery counter!
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Be ready for a brisk walk up to the Black Madonna.
- Please note that the order of your visit may be subject to change.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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What our guests say
Paul
Oct 2024Verified booking
The booking experience was very good and the excursion was an excellent value! Isabele, our tour guide was very informative, charming and funny; the only clarification needed in the description is that the train down runs on the weekends only and during the week, the way down is via gondola.
Siddhardha
Aug 2024Verified booking
Loved the trip and Mateo was excellent. His friendly nature and knowledge was excellent. We will definitely use headout for our next holiday.
Veronique
Jul 2024Verified booking
We loved everything about this tour. The guide Trini was amazing, the food was tasty, the visit was a perfect mix between teaching and free time. We would do it again in a heartbeat.
Patricia
Jun 2024Verified booking
The tour guides were excellent, especially Javi. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. Tapas lunch and wine tasting were good. Not enough time allotted to explore Montserrat and ride to the mountain top or take the cogwheel train. Basilica was as described.
Pauline
Jun 2024Verified booking
The Guided trip to Montserrat with lunch at a farmhose was a great experience. Nice, local food for lunch together with other people joining the trip.
Michale
Oct 2024Verified booking
No welcome drink on arrival. Monastery was magnificent, cable car ride was stunning
Beverley
Oct 2024Verified booking
Roger our guide was great and the place is amazing, only wished I had more time there.
Franz
Aug 2024Verified booking
The guide was very competent. The Monastery was very imposant. We liked The church. The lunch was very good.
VIRANIN
Jul 2024Verified booking
Pleasant trip. Very professional guide
View original review in French
Holly
May 2024Verified booking
Berta was a wonderful tour guide, very friendly and outgoing. She was thorough about where to meet and when.
Randi
Nov 2024Verified booking
Maria
Nov 2024Verified booking
Willermine
Sep 2024Verified booking
Viktoriia
Aug 2024Verified booking
Cemanuel
Aug 2024Verified booking
Verneta
Jul 2024Verified booking
Cynthia
Jul 2024Verified booking
Nicolae-Posescu
Jun 2024Verified booking
Daniel
Nov 2023Verified booking
Mariana
Sep 2023Verified booking
Everything was top. The travel to Monserrat, the guide Philissa, the winery and the tapas with the wine. I highly recommend to feel this experience! Thank you!
Vladyslav
Aug 2023Verified booking
There weren't ticket for train About winery , was just little bit tapas, that's all. About monsterrat, we were there only 2:30 h, that's so short.
Anne
Aug 2023Verified booking
Kamila
Aug 2023Verified booking
Perfect organisation and info about the tour. We were lucky to be guided by Tonio, who was a true professional with lots of interesting stories! Thank you - we would definitely recommend the experience :)
Kim
Dec 2022Verified booking
The guides (both) were outstanding! Great tour! soooooo worth it! Thank you
Arindam
Nov 2022Verified booking
Jennifer is just great. She is very knowledgeable and caring.
Book comfy transfers from Barcelona and get the freedom to explore your day as you wish!
- Gear up for an early morning ride in an air-conditioned bus to Montserrat Monastery, a spiritual retreat nestled on a mountain near Barcelona.
- With a tour leader by your side, enjoy hassle-free transfers. Sit back, ask about the Monastery, and get personalized recommendations.
- Bask in the golden rays of sunrise as stunning views unfold, leaving you with cherished memories and plenty of Instagrammable moments!
- Hike the trail, admire the Basilica's lavish interiors, or sip liquor made by monks—create your own adventure, made of things that warm your heart.
Book comfy transfers from Barcelona and get the freedom to explore your day as you wish!
- Gear up for an early morning ride in an air-conditioned bus to Montserrat Monastery, a spiritual retreat nestled on a mountain near Barcelona.
- With a tour leader by your side, enjoy hassle-free transfers. Sit back, ask about the Monastery, and get personalized recommendations.
- Bask in the golden rays of sunrise as stunning views unfold, leaving you with cherished memories and plenty of Instagrammable moments!
- Hike the trail, admire the Basilica's lavish interiors, or sip liquor made by monks—create your own adventure, made of things that warm your heart.
Inclusions
- AC coach transfers from Barcelona
- English-speaking guide for transfers
Exclusions
- Entry to Montserrat Monastery
- Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery
- Tip: Keep your camera ready. The picturesque drive up to the Monastery is filled with photo opportunities.
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Mass at the Basilica takes place Monday to Saturday at 11am and 9.30am on all holidays including Sundays.
- The Escolania de Montserrat boys sing at the basilica daily between Monday to Friday at 1pm and during Sunday Mass at 11am.
- Choir performance times may vary in accordance with special religious celebrations and the school calendar.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
BarcelonaMontserrat Monastery
Top things to do in Barcelona
Which Montserrat Monastery ticket should you choose?
Montserrat Experience Tickets with Audio Guide
From: €18
Go for: Independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace and learn about Montserrat’s history.
This ticket grants you access to the Monastery, including a timed entry to see the famous Black Madonna (La Moreneta). You also get entry to the Museum of Montserrat, where you can admire works by renowned artists like Monet, Dali, and Caravaggio. The audio guide, available in several languages, will guide you through the Basilica and other key areas, helping you fully appreciate the Monastery’s rich history and art.
- Important: Dress code requires covering shoulders and knees—flip-flops are not allowed, so plan your outfit accordingly.
- Accessibility: Most areas are wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind that wheelchair users may not be able to get close to the Black Madonna.
Duration: Flexible – explore on your own after the timed visit to La Moreneta.
Book now
Montserrat Experience Tickets with Audio Guide and Train Tickets
From: €46.80
Go for: Visitors from Barcelona who want the convenience of bundled transportation and entry tickets.
This option includes round-trip train tickets from Barcelona to Montserrat, along with entry to the Monastery and Black Madonna. You can explore at your own pace using the audio guide, which covers the history of the site. The package also includes access to the Museum and the audiovisual space, giving you a full overview of Montserrat’s history and its art collection.
- Cost-effective: Bundling transportation with entry makes this ticket an excellent value if you’re traveling from Barcelona.
- Timing: Be aware that the train schedule impacts your visit duration, but you still have flexibility once inside the Monastery.
Duration: Flexible – travel by train and explore at your leisure.
Book now
Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Transfers & Cog-Wheel Train
From: €59
Go for: Those who want a guided experience but don’t have the entire day to spend.
This half-day tour includes round-trip transfers from Barcelona and a scenic cog-wheel train ride up the mountain. A bilingual guide will lead you through Montserrat’s history, including the legend of the Black Madonna. You also get access to the audiovisual exhibition and can enjoy local treats like the famous Montserrat liquor.
- Guided experience: A great option for first-time visitors who want the convenience of a guided tour but have limited time.
- Cog-wheel train: Adds a scenic, memorable element to your trip, allowing you to fully appreciate Montserrat’s jagged peaks.
Duration: 4.5 - 5.5 hours, with both morning and afternoon options.
Book now
Montserrat Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers and Lunch
From: €79.95
Go for: Travelers seeking a full-day, all-inclusive experience with local cuisine.
This full-day tour covers all the essentials, including round-trip transfers from Barcelona, a cog-wheel train ride, and a local lunch. You’ll have an expert guide who shares the fascinating history and myths of the Monastery, followed by a culinary adventure where you can choose between tapas or a three-course lunch, paired with regional wines.
- Culinary experience: Perfect for food lovers, this tour offers a deep dive into both the cultural and culinary richness of Montserrat.
- Ideal for groups: With the option to customize your lunch, this ticket is ideal if you’re traveling with friends or family.
Duration: 8 hours – a full-day commitment.
Book now
Montserrat Monastery Transfers
From: €39
Go for: Visitors who only need transportation and prefer to explore the Monastery independently.
This option provides round-trip transfers from Barcelona via an air-conditioned bus, making it a convenient choice if you want to visit Montserrat without a guided tour. Once at the Monastery, you can explore at your own pace.
- Convenience: Ideal for those who prefer self-guided exploration but want hassle-free transport.
- Scenic drive: The bus route offers picturesque views of Montserrat Mountain, perfect for photographers or nature lovers.
Duration: 5 hours, including travel time.
Book nowWhy visit Montserrat Monastery
Witness the breathtaking night views
Montserrat offers a unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular night views of the Barcelona skyline. The Montserrat Monastery organizes night visits where you can witness the city illuminated against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. This is a sight you won't get from anywhere else in Barcelona. Imagine standing at the monastery's viewpoints like the Sant Joan Funicular station or the Sant Miquel's Cross, where the twinkling lights of the city blend with the serene night sky.
What to see at Montserrat Monastery
The Black Madonna
The spiritual centerpiece of Montserrat Monastery is the revered statue of the Black Madonna, also known as La Moreneta (Dark Virgin) due to the color of her face and hands. Pilgrims and visitors are drawn alike to this sacred icon of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus and it is believed to have miraculous properties. The statue is housed in the Basilica of Montserrat and in 1881 was proclaimed the patroness of Catalonia.
All about Black Madonna
Atrium
Once you enter Montserrat Monastery from the Plaza de Santa María, visitors are greeted by the atrium of the Basilica. This interior open-roofed courtyard showcases the facade of the Basilica adorned with depictions of the 12 apostles surrounding Jesus in the center. Each apostle is identifiable by a characteristic element of their life or death. You can also spot an iron sculpture of St Benedict here.
Crucifix of Montserrat
Within the basilica, you will find the Crucifix of Montserrat, an ivory sculpture depicting the crucified Christ. Attributed to the genius of Michelangelo, this 23-inch masterpiece adds a touch of artistic significance to the monastery. The sculpture, created between 1496 and 1498, stands at 58.5 cm high. It has been at the main altar of the basilica for around 70 years, showing just how important a figure it is at the Montserrat Monastery.
More things to do in Montserrat
Escolania de Montserrat
Within Montserrat Monastery is the Escolania de Montserrat, one of Europe's oldest boys' choirs with written references dating back to the 14th century. Beyond its historical significance, the choir offers a captivating auditory experience, particularly during their performances of the "Virolai" (Montserrat anthem) in the basilica. You can witness the choir's renditions of the "Salve" and the "Virolai" at 1pm from Monday to Friday.
The Legend of Montserrat
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Plan your visit to Montserrat Monastery
Timings
Getting there
Accessibility
- Basilica of Montserrat: Open daily from 7am to 8pm
- Throne of Our Lady (Black Madonna): Open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10:30am and 12pm to 6:15pm.
- Museum of Montserrat: Open daily from 10am to 4:45pm (weekends until 5:45pm).
There are a few ways to get to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona, Spain. The most popular option is to take the train and then the cable car or rack railway.
- 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 and costs €6.15 one way (€12.30 for a round-trip ticket). 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) up to the monastery.
- While the funicular railways that take visitors to other areas of the mountain aren't accessible, the Cremallera rack railway, which is the main mode of transport to the monastery itself, is adapted for people with limited mobility. There are also accessible parking areas close to the monastery.
- The monastery itself is largely wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available in most areas. This includes the basilica, the museum shops, restaurants, and the post office.
- A wheelchair lift is available to access the shrine where the Black Madonna statue is located. However, it’s important to note that this lift may be out of service occasionally due to maintenance.
Frequently asked questions about Montserrat Monastery
Can I hike in the Montserrat mountains?
Yes, the Montserrat mountain offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. From leisurely strolls to challenging climbs, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any safety precautions to be aware of while visiting Montserrat?
As with any outdoor activity, it's essential to take precautions. Wear appropriate footwear, stay hydrated, and follow marked trails. Be mindful of weather conditions, especially during summer when temperatures can rise.
Can I pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the monastery grounds?
Picnic areas are available within the monastery complex, allowing you to enjoy your packed lunch while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Is Montserrat Monastery suitable for children?
Montserrat Monastery can be an enjoyable experience for children. There are interactive elements and activities designed to engage young visitors, making it a family-friendly destination
Are there any restrictions on photography inside the monastery?
Photography is generally permitted inside the monastery, but using flash photography or tripods might be restricted in certain areas, especially near religious artifacts. It's advisable to check for any specific guidelines upon entry.
Is Montserrat Monastery wheelchair accessible?
Most of Montserrat Monastery is wheelchair accessible, however there are certain parts that are not accessible by wheelchair.