Montserrat Tour: Explore Monastery and Black Madonna

3,500 Ratings

Barcelona

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Discover the wonders of Montserrat National Park, a famous mountain and place of pilgrimage from Barcelona. Explore the Basilica and Monastery, touch the Black Madonna, and enjoy breathtaking views.

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Montserrat - Montserrat is a mountain-top monastery perched on a unique rock formation, marking the highest point in the Catalan lowlands. The monastery is home to “la Moreneta,” also known as the Black Madonna. Legend has it that Benedictine monks discovered the statue and, unable to move it, decided to build their monastery around it. Montserrat was declared a National Park in 1987 and is now a pilgrimage site for people worldwide. During your visit, enjoy a 45-minute guided tour in a small group, followed by 2 hours of free time to explore. You can visit the Museum, sample the monastery’s homemade liquor, take a leisurely walk to Saint Miguel’s cross for stunning views, ride the Sant Joan Funicular, capture beautiful photos, shop for local products at the farmer’s market, and more.
Abadia de Montserrat - The origins of the monastery are unclear, but it is believed that the Virgin of Montserrat (La Moreneta) was discovered around 880. (Tours at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm include tickets to see La Moreneta). According to legend, monks built the monastery around the statue. Today, the monastery is still active with over 70 monks. The basilica of Montserrat, which began construction in the 16th century, now houses an art museum. It is also home to la Escolania, one of the oldest Boys’ Choirs in Europe, which performs during religious ceremonies (you can hear them on the 9:30 am tour).
Montserrat Museum - During your free time, visit the Montserrat Museum, which features six permanent art collections and two temporary ones. The museum showcases works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Caravaggio, as well as pieces by lesser-known but talented artists.
Sant Joan Funicular Lower Station - In your free time, take the funicular for a panoramic view of the mountain. The ride offers views of the monastery and the stunning Pyrenees. At the top, you can also visit the Aula de Natura (Nature Centre) to learn about the mountain’s history, flora, and fauna.

What's Included

Ticket to listen to the Boys’ Choir (Montserrat with Boys’ Choir option)
2 Hour Free Time to Explore Montserrat on Your Own
Round transfer from the centre of Barcelona to the Monastery
Lunch
English-Speaking Professional Guide
Ticket to La Moreneta and audiovisual space (Montserrat with La Moreneta option)
Ride with cogwheel train (Montserrat + Winery + Lunch option)
Small Group

What's Not Included

Food and drinks in the Half Day options
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Information

Uncover the magic of the renowned Montserrat mountain, a universal pilgrimage site and national park which captivates millions of visitors globally. Accompany your guide in a climate-controlled private vehicle from Barcelona, as you ascend the peculiar ‘saw mountain’ - a name derived from its unique assortment of rock formations. Allow yourself to be swept away by the stunning vistas and learn about the Basilica and Monastery of Montserrat, the dwelling place of the Black Madonna (la Moreneta). We provide exclusive early access to Montserrat Monastery before it is overwhelmed by the daily influx of tourists. Upon arrival, participate in a 45-minute guided tour that reveals the mysteries of Montserrat, enter the basilica, and lay your hands on the iconic Black Madonna. Following this, during your leisure time (approximately 2 hours), peruse the local farmer’s market, embark on a leisurely stroll to the Saint Miguel cross for an exquisite vista of Montserrat, ride the Sant Joan Funicular, and so much more. The tour concludes with your return to the initial rendezvous point in Barcelona.

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.

Location

Placeta de Vicenç Albert Ballester

The tour guide will be waiting at the meeting point, holding a red burgundy umbrella.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(3500 Ratings)

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Maremazza

Aug 30, 2024

Go touch La Moreneta ! - What a wonderful site! our guides Oriole and Rocco were great! they were very knowledgeable and so energetic. The bus ride was smooth thanks to our driver Tony, the bus was clean and spacious. The site offers beautiful hiking trails so come prepared. Montserrat Monastery is a must, especially if you are a devout Catholic.