Montserrat Monastery Half-Day Tour from Barcelona
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Montserrat Monastery's rich history
- Marvel at the Black Madonna statue
- Enjoy panoramic views of Catalonia
- Discover Montserrat's unique rock formations
- Experience the serene atmosphere of the monastery
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Barcelona
- Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery
- Visit to the Black Madonna statue
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Montserrat is a mountain top monastery situated on top of an unusual rock mountain. It is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands. Montserrat monastery hosts “la Moreneta”, also called Black Madonna. The legend says that the benedictine monks found the statue, and they could not move the statue to build their monastery, so they decided to construct it around the statue. Montserrat was designated as a National Park in 1987. Nowadays, it is a site of pilgrimage for people around the world. Once in Montserrat, enjoy a 45-minute small group guided tour, and then you will have 2 hours to explore on your own. You can visit the Museum, taste the monastery’s homemade liquor, go for an easy walk to Saint Miguel's cross for an incredible viewpoint, go up the Sant Joan Funicular, take wonderful pictures, buy local products from the farmer's market, and more.
The origin of the monastery is uncertain, but it is believed that the Virgin of Monsterrat (La Moreneta) was found around 880. (8.30 am and 1.30 pm tours include tickets to La Moreneta). According to the legends, the monks built the monastery around the statue. The monastery still functions to this day with over 70 monks. The basilica of Montserrat began its construction in the 16th century, and now houses an art museum. It is also the place where la Escolania, one of the oldest Boys’ Choirs in Europe, performs during religious ceremonies (you can listen to them on the 9.30 am tour).
In your free time, you can visit the Montserrat museum, which hosts six permanent art collections and two temporary. You will find pieces from famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Caravaggio, and also unknown but talented artists.
In your free time, take the funicular and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain. The funicular offers a view of the monastery as well as the breathtaking views from the Pyrenees. At the top, you can also visit Aula de Natura (Nature Centre), where you will learn about the history, flora and fauna of the mountain.
The Black Madonna of Montserrat, a revered 12th‑century statue of the Virgin Mary and symbol of Catalonia, is housed inside the Montserrat Basilica. Included in the option that specifies the visit to the Black Madonna.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour departure time and location upon booking.
- Be aware that the tour operates rain or shine.
- Note that the tour may be subject to cancellation due to weather conditions.
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
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible (Please let us know if this is your case since we need to arrange with the bus in advance)
- 'Montserrat with Boys' choir' option is available from Monday to Friday. The Tour starts at 9.30am
- 'Montserrat + winery + lunch' option is a full day tour, available from Monday to Saturday. The Tour starts at 8.30am
- 'Montserrat with La Moreneta' option is available from Monday to Sunday. The Tour starts at 8.30am and at 1.30pm.
- We meet all travelers at a meeting point. Travelers cannot enter their own pickup location.
- The tour guide will be waiting at the meeting point, holding a red burgundy umbrella.
Traveler reviews
The Monastery is very...
The Monastery is very small, so spending 4-5 hours there was a little absurd. Our tour guide also made us stand in the blazing sun multiple times while he told us his view on Christianity and how the world was created. He would not let us leave and do our own free time. He spent probably a total of an hour, 20 minute rants three times in the sun. He also wasn’t very nice. We asked if we could get a meeting point to do our own thing and he said no we had to wait and would not tell us a meeting point or time.
Great tour of Barcelona!
Nacho was a fantastic tour guide
Wonderful day trip from Barcelona
This was a great tour! Aaron and Francesco were fantastic guides. Super knowledgeable and friendly! Pick up for the bus outside the train station is super easy, just wait at the entrance and they will find you. The bus ride is beautiful up the Montserrat. This is definitely worth taking your time to take a day trip from Barcelona. Highly recommend booking the tour to be able to see and touch the Black Madonna icon, and leave some time to use the funicular to hike around the higher elevations!
Montserrat is a MUST
Both Francesco & Aaron were fantastic. A must see tour.
Great tour. Guides were...
Great tour. Guides were on time, thoughtful, kind, and helpful. My only suggestion would be to add some additional historical detail about the monastery and Black Madonna. I would have also appreciated maybe some additional explanation about the inside of the monastery itself. Still, overall wonderful tour!