Overview
Montserrat is a mountain of serrated conglomerate peaks north-west of Barcelona. Halfway up stands the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, a place of pilgrimage that houses the Black Madonna statue.
Visitors come for the basilica, the boys' choir, one of Europe's oldest, and walks and funiculars to viewpoints in the natural park.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are best for walking; the mountain can be cool and misty. Weekends and holidays are busy.
Highlights
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1
Basilica and Black Madonna
The Virgin of Montserrat, venerated in Catalonia.
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2
Escolania choir
Short performances on many days; schedules vary.
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3
Sant Joan funicular
A steep funicular to trails and viewpoints.
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4
Santa Cova
A path to a chapel built into the rock.
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5
Montserrat Museum
Art from antiquity to modern painting.
Getting there
R5 trains from Plaça d'Espanya in Barcelona take about 1 hour to the stations for the rack railway or the cable car up to the monastery.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Official information: Montserrat (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
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