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The monastery is open everyday from 7:30 AM to 8 PM.
Throne of Our Lady: 8 AM to 10:30 AM, 12 PM to 6.25 PM
Holy Grotto: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
Museum of Montserrat: 10 AM to 5:45 PM
Escolanía Boys Choir Timings:
Monday to Friday-1 AM, Monday to Thursday-6:45 PM, Sundays and religious holidays-12 PM and 6:45 PM
Address: 08199 Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain
Montserrat Monastery is located on the Montserrat mountain, in Catalonia, Spain.
Nearest Train Station: Montserrat, 130 m away
Landmarks nearby: Museum of Montserrat
The spiritual centerpiece of Montserrat Monastery is the revered statue of the Black Madonna, also known as La Moreneta (Dark Virgin), due to the colour 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.
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.
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 1496-1498, 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.
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 1 PM from Monday to Friday.
Montserrat Monastery's architecture is a blend of styles, spanning various periods and reflecting a rich historical tapestry. The Plaza Santa Maria and Gothic Cloister, designed by modernist architect J. Puig i Cadafalch, serve as the main entrance. The Gothic cloister, dating back to 1476, features ornate columns adorned with plant and animal motifs, symbolic representations of Montserrat, and intriguing anthropomorphic figures.
The Monastery and Basilica showcases a variety of styles including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance, embodying an eclectic architectural approach. This harmonious mishmash creates a unique visual experience, enhanced by historical paintings, sculptures, and contributions from renowned artists, making the monastery an architectural masterpiece with a story to tell across the ages.
Montserrat Monastery is a historic religious site nestled in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, Spain. It houses the iconic statue of the Black Madonna and is a center of pilgrimage, spirituality, and cultural richness.
Tickets to Montserrat Monastery can be purchased at the gate or online. To avoid long queues and the potential disappointment of tickets selling out, it's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance online. Purchasing tickets online also allows you to opt for tickets based on your preferences, such as guided tours, tickets with audio guides and round trip travel options.
Admission tickets with audio guide to Montserrat Monastery starts at €18. There are also options to purchase additional experiences like guided tours or round-trip travel options at an extra cost.
The construction of Montserrat Monastery began in the 11th century, and it has undergone various renovations and additions over the centuries, incorporating a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.
Montserrat Monastery is situated northwest of Barcelona, Spain, atop the Montserrat mountain.
The best way to reach Montserrat from Barcelona is by train, bus, or taxi. There are also tickets available with round-trip transfers included to Montserrat from Barcelona.
The Montserrat Monastery opens at 7:30 AM and closes at 8 PM, daily.
The best time to visit Montserrat Monastery is from February to May, when the weather is mild. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.
Most of Montserrat Monastery is accessible, however there are certain parts that are not accessible by wheelchair.