Montserrat Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic cog-wheel train ride to Montserrat
- Priority access to the Royal Basilica
- Visit the revered Black Madonna statue
- Explore Montserrat's unique rock formations
- Enjoy panoramic views of Catalonia
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Barcelona
- Cog-wheel train ride to Montserrat Mountain
- Priority access to the Royal Basilica and Black Madonna
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Leave our office in Barcelona on an air-conditioned coach towards Montserrat cogwheel train station.
After a 1h drive on the highway, board the cogwheel train up the mountain and enjoy the amazing views over the area. Admire the Mountain’s peculiar morphology, which comes from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). World-famous for its rocky geography, Montserrat beautiful scenery was declared National Park in 1987 to protect its natural and cultural wealth.
Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the Monastery. A community of 80 monks currently lives and follow the rule of Saint Benedictin Montserrat. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary.
Line up and learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Black Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. To this day, their woodcarving is kept in the Church of the monastery, which you will be able to visit. The figure is popularly known as La Moreneta (The Black Madonna) as a result of a varnish reaction.
Besides the main area, there are a great number of small churches and trails you can follow. You will be given free time to taste the finest liquors, to visit the basilica and the Black Madonna and get a free gift, to shop for locally produced treats or to visit the audio-visual exhibition once our guided tour finishes. We would like to show you some activities that you can do during your free time. Please, bear in mind that your free time is limited so you will have to choose one of the activities. Montserrat Museum: wide variety of archeological artworks from medieval times to avant-garde style. Entrance fee not included on the tour. Hiking routes: although there are plenty of trails to follow, we recommend you to reach the cross of Sant Miquel (approximately 15 minutes from the monastery) as it offers one of the best views of the area.
Go back to Barcelona on an air-conditioned coach.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Confirm the departure time and location upon booking.
- Be aware of the tour's duration to plan your day accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Duration 08:00AM Tour: 5h30min approx. Duration 10:15Am Tour: 7h approx. (The duration of the tour includes transportation).
- Correct dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or sandals.
- Please note that the tour is conducted on foot upon your arrival in Montserrat, come prepared and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
- The weather is mountainous. Depending on the season, you will need warm/rain clothing.
- Check the schedules of the facilities you wish to visit during your free time before your tour.
Traveler reviews
A nice day trip to a beautiful place
I highly recommend visiting Montserrat, it is beautiful, historic and a religious pilgrimage site. The tour left from the travel stand at the Barcelona Nord bus station. (This wasn’t really mentioned in the meet up instructions) but it made sense once we got there. It was a large bus of people with two tour guides and points of interest mentioned in several languages. Once at the site the group takes the train ride up to the compound up in the hills. Our guide seemed a little disorganized as they tried to get the site to take us earlier, and then once denied we had to go back anyway. I’m not sure what benefit it was going to have, but we had plenty of free time to do everything there, hike, see the black Madonna, shop, enjoy the view and eat lunch. We were happy and would recommend to others
Harsh circumstances
With the France Tour being in town we had to navigate a new bus line then we originally tried to take, we arrived 5 min late our seats were filled and they would not give us a refund
Must see Montserrat
The overall experience was a high light of my Barcelona vacation. Pictures do not do it Justice. Maria was very knowledgeable and explained everything. There was also more than enough time to explore on my own. A must see while in Barcelona.
Sights were breathtaking:...
Sights were breathtaking: we experienced what this place had to offer. The shops, monasteries, food, and to top it off, The Black Madonna.
Most interesting ride up in the mountains.
Our tour guide was very fun. This was a very enjoyable ride up in the mountains. Our tour guide (I am sorry I forgot her name ) was very presentable and funny too. She was polite and patiently answered all the queries.